I woke up in an unfamiliar room, the scent of lavender and something subtly metallic clinging to the air. The silk sheets beneath me felt luxurious against my skin, a stark contrast to the rough alleyway where I'd last been conscious. Panic flared, but I forced it down, focusing on the details of my surroundings: ornate furniture, a crystal chandelier, and a panoramic view of the city skyline through a floor-to-ceiling window.
The girl from that night, the imposter who'd dared to impersonate Aubrey, had vanished into thin air. Good riddance.
My friend Aurelius approached me cautiously, his brow furrowed with concern. "Dude, where've you been? You said you'd take that call, then disappeared. We were worried sick."
I hesitated, still smelling the faint trace of her cheap perfume in the room, a lingering reminder of the deception. "Something came up. I needed to leave." I couldn't tell him the truth, not yet. He wouldn't understand.
Aurelius raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. He knew me too well. "Something came up? That's it? You just vanish into thin air, leaving us hanging?"
Zane, our tech expert and resident hacker, walked in, his eyes glued to his tablet. "Find the girl named…?" He trailed off, looking at me expectantly.
I realized with a jolt that I didn't even know her name, the real Aubrey's name. All I had was a face, a scent, and a burning desire to find her.
A black pin on the nightstand caught my eye, its surface gleaming under the soft light. I picked it up, my fingers tracing the delicate engraving: "Aubrey V."
My mind flashed back to her piercing gaze, her unwavering courage, her quiet strength. I had to find her.
Zane looked at me curiously, his fingers poised over his keyboard. "Aubrey V, huh? Any other details? Last name? Address? Anything?"
I instructed him, my voice firm, my determination unwavering. "Find out who Aubrey V is. ASAP. I want everything: her background, her connections, her weaknesses."
Wherever you are, I'll find you, Aubrey… I vowed silently, my obsession growing with each passing moment.
Another buzz filled the room – my phone, vibrating insistently on the nightstand. I glanced at the screen – Dad.
I answered curtly, my tone impatient. "Zup!"
A pause, then a warning cold voice, laced with disapproval. "Is that how you'll talk to your father, Laurel?"
I sighed, softening my tone, forcing a measure of respect into my voice. "What's the matter? What's so important that you had to interrupt my… evening?"
My father's serious voice replied, his words heavy with gravity. "Go home. We'll talk. This is not something that can be discussed over the phone."
I hung up, already moving towards the door, my mind racing with possibilities. What could be so urgent that it required a family meeting?
Aurelius called out, his voice laced with concern. "Everything okay?"
I nodded without turning back, my focus already shifting to the task ahead. "Family meeting. Stay here, guys. Keep digging into Aubrey V. I want answers, and I want them now."
The golden gates of Anderson Empire opened before me, their imposing presence a constant reminder of my family's power and influence.
My heavy footsteps echoed on the marble floor as I made my way through the opulent mansion, the silence amplifying my anxiety.
My mom, Daisy, greeted me with a warm smile, her beauty timeless, her presence a source of comfort. "Finally, you're here. We were starting to think you'd forgotten you had a family."
She gave me a gentle smack on the cheek, her touch affectionate, her eyes filled with love.
I leaned against the sofa beside her, facing Dad, my posture relaxed, my mind alert. "So, what's the emergency? What's so important that it couldn't wait until morning?"
Dad began, his voice grave, his expression grim. "Grayson couple died."
My eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing my face. The Grayson family, our greatest rival, had fallen. It was unexpected, and potentially advantageous.
I processed the news, weighing the implications, assessing the potential benefits. "How? What happened?" I asked calmly, my voice betraying none of the excitement that surged within me.
Dad continued, his voice low and deliberate. "According to Alaeric Grayson, their son, his parents were killed by people hired by Moore's daughter—Lysandra."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the twist. Lysandra Moore, the rebellious daughter of our long-time enemy, accused of murdering her own rivals? It was almost too perfect.
Mom faced me, adding her own perspective to the narrative. "Ricky confirmed Alaeric's statement is valid. They presented evidence linking Lysandra to the murders. Apparently, she left Moore's household after speaking out against arranged marriage during dinner."
Rival families devouring each other – how deliciously ironic… I thought, a cruel smile playing on my lips.
I remained silent, letting them continue, absorbing the information, analyzing the situation, formulating my own conclusions.
Mom stood up, pacing slowly, her movements graceful, her expression thoughtful. "I don't believe Lysandra did this. My gut says they're scheming against her, trying to bring her down and grab Moore's property after Mildred left."
Dad countered, his voice skeptical, his mind pragmatic. "Still, the evidence is compelling. We can't ignore the possibility that she's involved."
I interrupted calmly, silencing their debate, asserting my own authority. "Still nothing, Father. I'll look into this. I promise to update you both on the truth behind this matter."
Dad nodded slightly, accepting my involvement, trusting my judgment, acknowledging my power.
I let out a heavy breath, excusing myself from the conversation, eager to escape the stifling atmosphere of the mansion. "I need some air."
I walked to the balcony near my room, overlooking the city skyline, the glittering lights stretching out before me like a vast and endless ocean.
My mind wandered back to that lustful night, to the encounter that had changed everything, to the woman who had captivated me with her courage and her vulnerability. Aubrey's piercing gaze, her soft skin, her mysterious aura. The memory stirred something within me, a longing, a desire, an obsession.
I felt my manhood hardened again, a physical manifestation of my growing fixation. Fuck this nightmare, I cursed silently, frustrated by my own lack of control.
With no choice, I entered the room and started thrusting my hand into my manhood, imagining having her doing blowjob, her lips wrapped around me, her body trembling with pleasure.
Moans filled the room, echoing in the silence, a testament to my growing obsession.
My phone buzzed, breaking the spell, pulling me back to reality. It was Zane's text, the message I'd been waiting for, the key to finding Aubrey.
"Found Aubrey V. CEO of Levenian Corp's new engineer. Real name: Aubrey Velazquez. Lysandra's sister."
My eyes narrowed, my heart raced, my mind exploded with possibilities. This just got interesting…
Just imagining you, and now you're here, within my reach, within my grasp.
"Do I bring her to your place?" Zane asked, awaiting my command, his loyalty unwavering.
"Yes, I'm coming," I replied, my voice Firm, my decision made, my obsession driving me forward.
No second thought – I left my house to head to my mansion, my destination clear, my purpose defined.
Minutes later, Zane presented her, leading her into the room, her face pale, her eyes wide with apprehension.
A girl with wavy hair, petite – only 5'3", her frame delicate, her presence captivating.
Her aura seemed different from that night, more reserved, more cautious, more guarded.
I approached her slowly, my movements deliberate, my gaze intense, my intention clear.
"You're—" I began, my voice a low rumble, my words a question, my touch a promise.
She interrupted, her voice confident, her eyes locked on mine, her defiance unwavering. "Aubrey V. The V stands for Velazquez, my surname." She stated calmly, her posture erect, her demeanor controlled.
But something was off, something didn't feel right, something was missing. Her scent – familiar yet different, like a cheap imitation, a pale substitute.
I frowned slightly, my suspicion growing, my senses heightened. "You changed your perfume?"
She walked closer to me, her movements fluid, her gaze unwavering, her voice low and seductive. "Yes… I did. Do you like it?"
Not long ago, she would have kissed me passionately, throwing herself into my arms, surrendering to my touch. Now, she seemed cautious, hesitant, unsure… until suddenly she wasn't.
She cupped my face in her hands, her touch gentle, her eyes pleading, her lips parting slightly. Then, she kissed me fiercely, her tongue darting into my mouth, her body pressing against mine, her passion overwhelming.
But everything about this kiss felt wrong, artificial, forced. Her scent, her lips, her skin – all different, all wrong.
My palm connected with her cheek, the force of the blow sending her stumbling backward, her eyes widening in shock and confusion.
"What's wrong with you!" she blurted out, her voice laced with anger and fear, her composure shattered, her deception exposed.
I clicked the safety off my hidden gun, the sound echoing in the silence, the metal cold against my skin. My eyes narrowed, my gaze icy, my expression menacing. "You dare to deceive me? To impersonate her? To play me for a fool?"
My voice was icy, menacing, a low growl that sent shivers down her spine. "Don't you know who I am? Don't you know what I'm capable of?"
She stuttered, tears streaming down her face, her body trembling, her pleas desperate. "I... I was just following orders. Please believe me… I was just doing my job! I didn't mean to hurt anyone!"
Grayson's name echoed in my mind again, a reminder of the threat, a justification for my actions, a reason to unleash my rage.
My grip on the gun tightened, my finger hovering over the trigger, my decision made. "Since you're here, then let's continue what you started. Let's finish what you came here to do."
I stepped closer, my movements predatory, my intention clear, my dominance absolute. My free hand grasped her wrist, her skin cold and clammy, her pulse racing.
"Take me to your employer," I commanded, my voice low and menacing, my eyes burning with anger. "Now. Or I swear, you'll regret the day you were born."
She trembled, nodding vigorously, her eyes filled with terror, her body surrendering to my will. "Y-yes… I'll take you to Mr. Steve… He's the one who hired me. But there's someone else… someone who wants you dead."
My eyes narrowed, my interest piqued, my curiosity aroused. "Who?"
"Grayson wants you dead!" she blurted out, her voice a desperate plea, her words a warning, her information valuable. As expected, I thought, a cruel smile plastered on my face as I came closer to her, my touch gentle, my intention deceptive.
I held her head in my hands, my fingers tangling in her hair, my gaze locking with hers. Then, I pressed my lips onto hers, savoring her mouth, her fear, her desperation.
Guiding her from the floor to the sofa, my movements deliberate, my control absolute. I pulled off her underwear, discarding it carelessly, my desire growing, my obsession consuming. And with no wasted time, I entered my manhood onto her, claiming her body, dominating her will, fulfilling my desire.
Her loud moans echoed through the room, a symphony of pleasure and pain, a testament to my power, a validation of my obsession. Sucking her nipples while thrusting inside of her, I savored her response, her surrender, her submission.
She didn't know where to face because of the pleasure I've given to her, her body arching, her muscles contracting, her mind surrendering.
Every time I thrust mine into her, all I ever imagined was the scenario from that night, the real Aubrey, the woman who had stolen my heart, the woman I would stop at nothing to possess. The moan itself was I think I heard this time, the sound of her pleasure, the sound of her surrender, the sound of my victory.
Traitor wasn't friend of mine, I reminded myself, my anger simmering beneath the surface, my desire for revenge growing stronger. Lying is one I hated the most, a betrayal that could not be forgiven, a transgression that demanded retribution. Same as what my Grandfather's says, liar will never be a friend of you, a lesson I had learned well, a principle I would always uphold.
The evening air was calm, yet my mind raced, my thoughts chaotic, my emotions overwhelming. I stood by the window, lost in thought, when Zane approached, his presence silent, his demeanor respectful.
"Handled, Mr. Anderson," he breathed heavily, as if he'd been running, his words A confirmation, a reassurance, a sign of his loyalty.
My eyes narrowed slightly, my suspicion lingering, my trust wavering. "Find the real Aubrey V. If anyone deceives me again… say hello to Satan for me."
Zane nodded, his face pale, his body trembling, his fear palpable. He knew the consequences of failure, the price of betrayal, the wrath of Laurel Anderson. He turned and left, disappearing into the shadows, leaving me alone with my thoughts, my desires, my obsessions. I thought he was loyal… but in this world, loyalty was a rare and precious commodity, a fleeting illusion that could shatter at any moment.
My guard, Yvonne, interrupted my thoughts, her voice calm, her presence reassuring. "Sir, there's a package at the gate."
I walked to the gate, curiosity piqued, my senses on high alert, my instincts screaming.
A box waited for me – unmarked and mysterious, its presence ominous, its contents unknown.
I opened it cautiously, unsure what to expect, my hand hovering over my gun, my finger on the trigger.
My blood ran cold, my heart stopped beating, my breath caught in my throat.
A dead cat lay inside, its head severed from its body, its blood staining the cardboard, its presence a threat, its message clear.
A letter attached to the cat's paw caught my eye, its words scrawled in blood-red ink, its message chilling.
"She will never be yours!"
No signature, but the message was clear, the intent malicious, the threat undeniable. Someone knew about my obsession with Aubrey V, someone was watching me, someone was trying to intimidate me, someone was challenging my power.
My grip on the box tightened, my knuckles turning white, my anger simmering beneath the surface. Who dared threaten me? Who dared challenge me? Who dared interfere with my desires?
Suddenly, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence, shattering the tension, offering a glimmer of hope. It was Zane's text, the message I'd been waiting for, the lead I'd been craving.
"Found a lead on Aubrey V. Meet me at Ylvis Corporation."
My heart raced, my pulse quickened, my adrenaline surged. Finally, I'd find her, the real Aubrey, the woman who had stolen my heart, the woman who had ignited my obsession.
I arrived at Ylvis Corporation, rushing to Zane, my movements frantic, my urgency palpable.
"What's the lead? Tell me everything," I demanded, my voice impatient, my gaze intense, my focus unwavering.
Zane briefed me quickly, his words tumbling over each other in his haste, his information concise and to the point. "Aubrey Valentine – real name matches the initial. Works here as an engineer. But there's more: She's Director Ming's new favorite employee."
My eyes narrowed, my suspicion growing, my anger simmering. Director Ming again… She was always in the middle of everything, a constant obstacle, a persistent threat.
Suddenly, a scream pierced the air, shattering the tension, disrupting the peace, signaling disaster.
A woman rushed out of the building, frantic and hysterical, her face pale, her eyes wide with terror. "Aubrey's been kidnapped! Right from the parking lot! Someone just grabbed her and drove off!"
My heart skipped a beat, my blood ran cold, my world tilted on its axis. I grabbed Zane, my grip tight, my voice urgent. "Let's move. We're getting her back. Now."
Her eyes fluttered closed, her body going limp, her consciousness fading away.
I caught her, holding her close, cradling her in my arms, protecting her from the world. "Aubrey, you're safe now!" I whispered, my voice filled with desperation, my touch gentle, my promise unwavering.
But she was already unconscious, her body limp, her spirit gone.
I looked up at Zane, my eyes burning with fury, my voice filled with rage. "Get the car. Now. We're taking her to my place."
Zane rushed off, his movements frantic, his fear palpable, his obedience absolute. He returned moments later with the vehicle, its engine roaring, its presence imposing, its purpose clear.
I laid Aubrey gently in the backseat, her head resting on my lap, her body trembling, her life hanging in the balance. Then, I turned to Zane, my voice calm, my command unwavering. "Tell my doctor to meet us at the mansion. Aubrey needs medical attention… and protection."
Aubrey's eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused, her mind disoriented. She looked at me, her eyes filled with confusion, her voice barely a whisper.
"Where am I?"
Suddenly, glass shattered everywhere, the sound deafening, the impact jarring, the danger immediate. My mansion's windows exploded, showering us with shards of glass, sending us scrambling for cover.
Bullets flew towards us, whizzing past our heads, tearing through the car, threatening our lives. Aubrey screamed, her voice piercing the air, her body trembling, her fear overwhelming.
I shielded her, pulling her down, covering her body with mine, protecting her from the onslaught. "Zane, return fire! NOW!"
But then I saw him again, standing across the street, silhouetted against the moonlight, his face hidden in shadow, his presence menacing, his purpose deadly. It was the man from the parking lot, the man with the bloodstained hands, the man who had threatened Aubrey, the man who was now trying to kill us.