Chapter 1
“I’ve made my decision. I’ll marry the Sinclair heir–the one in a coma. “[]
Ariana Reeves leaned against the doorframe, a sardonic smile curving her blood red lips.
Her father Frederick Reeves nearly dropped his Cuban cigar onto the priceless Persian rug, Jerking upright in his leather chair as the wrinkles around his eyes smoothed in surprise.[]
“Ari, you’ve finally come around? That’s wonderful! The Sinclairs have been pushing for this to happen within the next two weeks, What kind of wedding dress would you like? I’ll have something custom made-“]
“Is that all?” Ariana cut him off with a cold laugh. “I’m stepping in for your precious bastard daughter, and you’re not even going to show some appreciation?
The temperature in the room seemed to plummet. Her father’s expression darkened.
“Watch your tone. Mia is your sister.“]
“Half–sister,” Ariana corrected, her eyes glittering like Ice, “She’s the product of your affair. I’ll never acknowledge her as family
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vein pulsed visibly at her father’s temple, but he swallowed whatever rage was building and took a deep breath, ash from his cigar drifting to the floor[]
“What do you want?” he asked flatly.[]
“One hundred million dollars,” she replied without hesitation. “And once in married, I want you to reassign Dominic Reed to protect your precious Mia instead of me.”
Her father’s expression froze.[]
“Have you lost your mind? One hundred million would drain nearly all my liquid assets! And Dominic–Isn’t he your favorite bodyguard? You used to throw tantrums about marrying him, and now you’re willing to give him up?“[]
“Yes or no?” Ariana asited impatiently, already turning to leave.[]
“Fine!” Her father slammed his hand on the desk, rising to his feet. “The day you marry into the Sinclair family, both matters will be handled.)
possible
He didn’t bother to examine her demands too closely. His only concern was finalizing the arrangement as quickly as
Years ago, when the Sinclair heir had been at the height of his power and influence, Frederick had eagerly arranged the engagement, intending to marry off Mia and secure a promising future for her.
But then nobody expected that a sudden accident left the Sinclair heir comatose.[]
Frederick couldn’t bear to see his darling Mia suffer such a fate–which was when he remembered he had another daughter…{}
Ariana gave a dismissive wave over her shoulder, her stilettos clicking against the marble floor with a sharpness that felt like a slap to the face
Just as she gripped the doorknob, her father’s voice reached her again: “I understand the money, but why give up Dominier I thought you were infatuated with him. Why not bring him over to Sinclair to continue as your bodyguard?“]
Ariana’s fingers froze on the handle []
She didn’t turn around, but her eyes have already burned with unshed tears.{}
That name was like a thorn, piercing the softest part of her heart!
she pushed open the door forcefully, shutting her father and his question behind her
Back at her private villa, it was already well past midnight
Ariana made her way upstairs in her heels, but as she passed Dominie’s room, she heard muffled sounds from inside)
With a half dose door, she glanced in, the scene unfolding Inside-
Dominic was half reclined against the beadboard, a photograph held between his long fingers []
Eyes dused, hit Adams apple bobbed as his deep, sensual voice murmured, “Mia baby – I want you
14 was a photo of Mia!]
Chapter 1
Taken at last year’s birthday gala, where she’d worn a white sundress, smiling with that innocent expression that everyone seemed to adore.[]
Ariana’s nails dug into her Hermes bag strap, leaving crescent marks, and finally answered her father’s question in her mind.[]
Because he’s just like you, Dad. He only has eyes for Mia.]]
The realization tumbled through her mind, scorching her chest with pain.
Three years ago, she’d first seen Dominic during bodyguard selection day.
Among the lineup of imposing security personnel, her eyes had locked onto him immediately.[]
The reason was simple–he was ridiculously gorgeous.[]
Six–foot–two, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, chiseled features, and especially those obsidian eyes, cold as ice.[]
Ariana was known throughout their social circle as a flirtatious vixen. She’d initially intended to toy with him, but over three years-
She’d pretended to be drunk and fallen into his arms, only for him to hold her by the scruff of her neck like a kitten and deposit her back on the sofa.]
She’d knocked on his door wearing a skimpy nightgown in the middle of the night, but he’d simply wrapped his suit jacket around her and respectfully escorted her back to her room.[]
She’d even faked drowning in the pool. He’d jumped in to save her but hadn’t touched her waist even once.
No matter how she tried to seduce him, he remained immune to her charms, always addressing her formally as “Miss Reeves.” And yet, somehow, she’d fallen for him anyway.
Even she herself didn’t exactly know why.[]
Perhaps it was because, since her mother’s death, she’d been desperately lonely.[]
When she was seven, on one day, her father suddenly brought home his illegitimate daughter.[]
At the time, her mother had been nine months pregnant with her father’s second child.[]
Her mother had loved Frederick desperately. She’d confronted him hysterically, crying until she could barely breathe. That night, she went into early labor. By the time she reached the hospital, it was too late—both mother and unborn child were lost.[]
Since then, Ariana had despised her father and loathed Mia with equal passion.[]
She’d moved out of the family mansion, attended school alone, eaten meals alone, grown up alone–until her striking beauty attracted so many predatory trust fund boys that she finally decided she needed some guards.]
Dominic Reed became her first bodyguard.[]
After that, she wasn’t alone anymore. Whatever she did, Dominic was there beside her.
Her feelings for him evolved from admiration to flirtation to genuine love, but after three years–over a thousand days and nights–he’d never so much as batted an eyelash at her advances.
She’d assumed he was simply cold natured, unul that day when she caught him pleasuring himself to Mia’s photograph, and then overheard his subsequent phone conversation–
“Dom, how long are you going to keep playing this bodyguard game? You’re the freaking heir to the North Shore fortune! You could have any woman you want! If you’ve got a thing for Mia Reeves, why not just take what you want? Why are you playing this virginal act, being her sister’s bodyguard just to catch glimpses of herr
Dominic’s expression remained impassive. “I’ve done my research. Mia’s illegitimate. She’s had a difficult childhood and lacks security. Pursuing her too aggressively would frighten her off. I’m taking it slow.[]
so what about the infamous Miss Reeves constantly throwing herself at you? I’d have thought you might have been tempted by now. After all, she’s practically the crown jewel of the North Shore scene–there’s a line of guys from here to Paris who’d kill to date her…]
Domanic seemed to smile slightly, but what him said in the next sent Ariana directly plummeting into an icy abyss.[]
“Is that so? Not interested. She doesn’t compare to even a single strand of Mia’s hair
Lach word, had been like a knife, stabbing tato Ariana’s heart![]
in that moment, she fell out of love with him completely
Chapter 1
Whatever was happening in his room continued for what seemed like an eternity. But for some reason, tonight Dominic still wasn’t finding his release
Watching this, she twisted her lips into a cold smile and abruptly pushed open the door-[]
