I swallowed hard. The atmosphere between was thick, electrified and full of intention. He moved his his hand from mine slowly, reluctantly. His eyes still locked on mine. I couldn't look away. I didn't want to even though every thought in my head told me this was wrong, this would lead to more, this would lead to hurting someone, hurting everyone I loved. He moved a fraction closer. So close I could feel the rush of air that escaped his lips. It sent tingles across mine.
The meeting this morning had caused quite a stir. Two members of staff had decided to announce their retirement, they'd worked here for 30 years and the thought of them retiring had
Sent the staff into a panic for some however for others they already fancied themselves the best candidates for the two newly available management roles. They didn't even try to hide the blatant attempts of trying to get in on the opportunity.
I sat back watching, awestruck by the sheer arrogance of my team members and drank my coffee.
"Earth to Holly!? I need you to come and have a chat with me in the office please." Hazel the owner asked gesturing towards the office door.
" Sure" I mumbled and followed her through.
" Is there something wrong?" I asked hesitantly parking myself on the cool leather chair.
" Of course not, I'll get straight down to it.
As you've heard this morning Erik and Frances have both announced their retirement after a very long time with us. They've brought a lot our business we'll be sad to see them go. However my Paul and I have thought about this for a couple of years now and have put plans in place for this. We would like for you to become Assistant Manager and to train with Harvey over the next few months by shadowing him. He will become the new Manager I'm pleased to say. How do you feel about that? Would you like to accept the role?" Hazel said In her usual matter of fact manner whilst looking expectantly at me.
" This will mean a lot more hours here but I think you will find the pay rise wil be quite rewarding." She smiled at me reassuringly.
" I would be delighted to take the role" I gushed.
When Corynn mustered up the courage to tell Elliot about her pregnancy, she unexpectedly found him gallantly helping another woman from his car. Her heart sank as three years of effort to secure his love crumbled before her eyes, compelling her to leave him behind. Three years later, life had taken Corynn down a new path with someone else, while Elliot was left grappling with regret. Seizing a moment of vulnerability, he pleaded, "Corynn, let's get married." Shaking her head with a faint smile, Corynn gently replied, "Sorry, I'm already engaged."
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
"Mr. Evans, please maintain some dignity. Don't forget I'm your brother's wife!" Having caught her husband and best friend together in the bed, Elena wanted nothing more than to exact revenge on the people she once called family. She refused to be a pitiful divorcee and vowed to make everyone who had once looked down on her beg for forgiveness. And to start with her newfound freedom, Elena indulges in a one-night stand with a stranger. However, what was meant to be a fleeting escape turns into a nightmare when she learns that the stranger is none other than her husband's older brother! Would Elena be free from the shackles of her marriage? Or would the mysterious stranger make her life a living hell since he seemed to have a personal vendetta against his family? [The story is 18+ and involves mature content.]