"I'm just your friend and not in a position to judge you. You're not judging me either," Zach exhaled audibly. "It seemed like you had some wild friends back then. That Jenna," he shook his head before continuing, "from the first time I saw her, I didn't trust her. What I'm trying to figure out is why you got involved with Michael."
Erin acknowledged her lapse in judgment. "I don't know. I needed a friend at that time, and Michael seemed to be my defender in that situation. I needed an ally, and he deceived me. I'm still grateful to him in some strange way."
"Go, Orion! I don't want to see you!" She threw a pillow at him, her strength failing her. Orion gritted his teeth. "I'm not leaving. Do you think I'll just let you stay here alone, especially after someone entered without us knowing? If they managed to get in while I'm here, what more if you're alone?" She couldn't help but release a bitter laugh. "You wanted to protect me from others, and yet, here I am, feeling endangered with you! May I remind you that you left me alone in the office last night? Not a single message, not a single inquiry about how I was. And now you're telling me you need to protect me? Leave, Orion!" After uttering those words, Erin stood up and headed to her room. Orion clenched his fists as if wanting to strike something, but he couldn't bring himself to stop her. Her words had struck him deeply. Erin found herself unable to halt the tears streaming down her face within the confines of her room. As noon approached, and after enduring hours of emotion
The atmosphere on Erin's floor was charged with tension, evident in the uneasy demeanor of her colleagues. Speculation buzzed through the air, fueled by the collective belief that Mika Luchesi, Michael's sister, held a pivotal role as their primary supplier. Erin, sensing the palpable nervousness, surveyed her surroundings. The air was thick with apprehension, and she could tell her boldness was unsettling to her coworkers. Fixing a stern gaze on Mika, Erin sought to establish a protective stance, ready to confront any potential threats. "You have no right to harm anyone on my staff!" Erin's voice cut through the tension, earning admiration from those who perceived her willingness to go to great lengths to safeguard her team, even against a major supplier like Mika. Jenna, aiding Mika to her feet, responded defiantly, "He's just a bodyguard! Would you really jeopardize Yurich's ties with Makeup and Co. to protect that man?" "Whether it's a bodyguard, janitor, or any other Yurich e
Erin was well aware that her spoken commitments carried significant weight. Yet, she remained resolute in her determination to delve into the matter. Upon her return to her office, she promptly dispatched messages to the outlets where Yurich cosmetics were available. "That was a bold move, Erin," Orion remarked as he closed the door. During meetings, Erin had to wear a Bluetooth monitor, ensuring that Orion could hear the discussions taking place on the board. She didn't mind, fully aware that he was the actual shareholder in Yurich, not herself. She had no plans to speak with the man, but she raised her gaze to Orion, wanting to ask if he also lacked trust in her. "While it's accurate that makeup has a two-year expiration once opened, it's crucial to grasp that each product still retains chemicals. I'm concerned about potential lawsuits from customers who might develop skin allergies. Therefore, it's necessary to dispose of these makeup items," Erin explained. "How do you p
Orion tenderly caressed Erin's cheek, his fingers delicately tracing the contours of her cheeks, ears, and neck. He tightened his embrace around her, relishing the pleasure that surged through his body as she pressed against him once again. This was a sensation he had yearned for in the past few days. "You feel so good, Erin. I've longed for these lips," he murmured, his thumb gently brushing against her lips, accompanied by a sharp pang in his chest. "Thank you for the flowers!" Erin exclaimed; her gaze fixed on the expansive bouquet. The flowers were Orion's way of expressing apology. Initially, he had planned to create some distance, sensing her determination to avoid him. Despite his desire to be near her, he could perceive the pain in her eyes as he stood beside her. Yet, the harsh reality struck him deeply. "Have you forgiven me?" Orion inquired simply. "My feelings are rather delicate," she replied with a playful tone. "I'm truly sorry about that morning." Orion co
The following day, Erin met with Monica at a venue specified by the latter. To her surprise, it turned out to be an event hall bustling with activity – the music was booming, and models and staff were engrossed in their tasks, creating an energetic atmosphere. Erin couldn't help but think, 'It seems like Monica has orchestrated for me to work tonight.' All she knew was that a conversation with Monica was on the agenda. Unprepared for the occasion, Erin wasn't particularly enthusiastic about it. Having been absent from the industry for a year, she believed such gatherings required thorough preparation. In the midst of the vibrant crowd, Erin spotted a woman with short, straight black hair cascading down to her shoulders. "Hello! I'm Erin Villaverde!" The woman scrutinized Erin from head to toe. Her expression soured upon observing her. "I'm Monica. So, you're that Erin. Your skin is dry, and you look old because of your eye bags! Don't you use any skincare?" Erin
Orion's exploring hands tenderly traced the contours of Erin's longing cheeks as he fixated his eyes on her. "God! I've missed you so much, baby girl!" he exclaimed, gently kissing her forehead before capturing her lips again. His lips and tongue traversed in the dance of their mouths, exchanging breaths with Erin. Erin willingly embraced Orion's kisses, finding solace in his words that effortlessly erased her doubts, dispelling any troubles in her heart. "You smell so nice," Orion murmured as his nose grazed the delicate L-shape of her neck. His eyes conveyed myriad emotions, subtly pulling at the string of her robe, his palm discreetly slipping beneath the fabric. Orion's lips continued their journey, tracing down the curve of her neck and the crook of her chest. Erin was nearly breathless, feeling the intense sensations coursing through her veins. "Naked and ready, I see…" he whispered, playfully reddening her cheeks. His gaze traced the contours of her figure, and at th
"Nothing," Orion replied, observing Danica's puffy eyes. "Dad was just asking me if you wanted to return to the city and handle some matters at the office." Orion believed Danica was content with his response, yet an underlying nervousness lingered. "I'm sorry, Dad. I prefer to stay at the resort on the island," Danica responded. Mr. Arvesso nodded, but his gaze held a significant message directed at Orion. "Just as I thought," Orion whispered. They all made their way to the car to head home, but Orion's attention was drawn to a white envelope tucked into Mr. Arvesso's car wiper. Furrowing his brow, Orion glanced around; though a few people were in the area, everyone appeared preoccupied. Who could have placed that there? "Why is there an envelope on your car, Uncle Niel?" Drew asked. "I don't know. Someone is probably playing a prank on me," his dad said. Orion pulled the white envelope, and to his surprise, he discovered his name inscribed on it. "Orion,"
Erin awoke with a heavy sensation in her chest, the strange atmosphere lingering from the previous day, which marked the anniversary of Daryl's death. Despite the weight of the occasion, Orion had not sent her a message, a silence she comprehended. Therefore, she was taken aback when he unexpectedly arrived at her penthouse last night. Anger simmered in Orion's eyes, and she sensed the pain residing in his chest. Regardless of her own feelings, Erin knew she needed to fathom his perspective as Daryl's older brother, enduring the relentless ache until the truth surfaced. The previous night, Orion displayed gentleness despite the weight of pain crushing their hearts. Erin willingly surrendered herself to the experience, embracing him fully. She harbored no regrets, for he held the sole place in her heart. She had to feel him. Erin's emotions would have grown weary if Orion hadn't shifted in bed, meeting her teary eyes. He tenderly kissed her forehead, drawing her closer to his embra