(The decision)(Simon pov)I couldn't help but think that she was joking. After all, this demand of hers had to be a prank in retaliation for my refusal. There was simply no way she could be pregnant. When did I make such a mistake?The thought that she might be desperate crossed my mind. I couldn't allow myself to fall for this. It had to be some kind of ploy. I decided to tease her, hoping to expose her prank."You must be joking, right? This is all because I turned down your proposal," I said with a smirk.But her response caught me off guard. She spoke with a seriousness that made me pause."Simon, have you forgotten so easily? Well, I suppose with the number of women you sleep with every day, it's no wonder. But we had sex in your office, unprotected. Do you remember that, or should I provide more details to jog your memory?" She looked at me intensely, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.I gripped the table, realization sinking in. She was ri

(The slash funds) (Simon pov)The drive back home felt long as I pondered over the last 30 minutes that just happened. Lying to her about how I felt, I hated myself, I was scared, scared of the way she made me feel, scared of being vulnerable in the process I hurt her.I could see the hate in her eyes when I told her I couldn't love her, the pain, the disappointment. I never wanted to hurt her. But it felt like the only way to protect myself.The truth was, I did love her. I love her more than anything. But I couldn't bear the thought of opening up, of letting someone in so completely.The walls I have built around my heart seemed impenetrable, a shield to protect me from the pain that love inevitably brings.But in pushing her away, I had caused more pain than I ever imagined. The regret washed over me like a tidal wave, drowning me in sorrow and guilt. I replayed the moment over and over again in my mind, wishing I could turn back time and find the bravery, to be honest with her.

(The Gathering)(Gemini pov)Simon and I entered the room. I felt a strange mix of emotions as I tried to follow his plan to act in love. I mustered a smile as his gaze met mine.Sitting in the family room adjacent to the kitchen, my stepmother's eyes emitted pure hatred. She scanned the room, her grip on a glass of champagne tight.Suddenly, her gaze landed on Simon beside me, and her eyes widened in surprise."Wow," she exclaimed, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. All eyes turned to me and Simon, who stood closely intertwined, observing each person in the room.The expression on my dad's face was the most stunned of all, his eyes fixated sharply on Simon. Clearing his throat, Simon began speaking."Hello, and good evening," he announced confidently. "I am Simon Sinclair, Gemini's fiance."Aunt Becky coughed abruptly, nearly choking on the champagne she held in her hand. Her husband quickly came to her aid, gently patting her back to ease

(Terms and conditions)(Simon pov) I sat there, my body weary and my mind spinning, the weight of the operating room still clinging to my consciousness. Five grueling hours of surgery, followed by two back-to-back business meetings had left me utterly drained. But as I gazed at the paper in front of me, I knew there was something far more exhausting awaiting me.Summoning every ounce of courage, I finally mustered the words, "What happened to us creating a future together?" My eyes remained fixed on the paper, afraid to meet her gaze.Her response was laced with a deceptive sweetness. "Oh, darling, we will build a future together. A future that's secure and guaranteed," she reassured me. Slowly, I lifted my head, raising an eyebrow as I looked into her eyes, searching for honesty.Curiosity gnawed at me, and I couldn't help but ask, "So, what exactly are these terms and conditions you're so desperate to enforce?" I leaned back in my seat, trying to regain

Yes I do (Gemini pov)“Okay, okay, you have to breathe Gemini,” Penelope said Ten minutes remaining before I walked down the aisle, I was nervous, tho, it was just a contract marriage, and I was nervous as hell. “Am breathing, am breathing” I said to Penelope, who was my maid of honor. “I just need my mom's necklace, where is it, I left it on the table” I added “Calm down, I kept it away for Safekeeping, let me get it” Penelope assured meShe came back empty-handed. “Where is it?” I asked “I vividly remember keeping it in the guest room, I can't find it there,” Penelope said I stared at her lost for words, “Penelope this can't be me, I need that necklace, I don't think I can do this, I don't think I can go through with this marriage.” “Are you for real, you want to end this marriage with Simon, who you are clearly head over heels for because of a necklace you got from your grandma this morning?” Penelope asked in disbelief “You don't get i