Serena's screams were muffled by the weight of a man's hand crushing her mouth.
She thrashed beneath him, her nails clawing at his arms, her legs kicking wildly against the ground, but he didn't stop. The shadows around them were heavy and merciless, and the room felt like a coffin–no windows, no light, just her and him.
Her shirt ripped with a harsh tear, the buttons scattering like broken promises across the floor. His cold fingers slid under the waistband of her jeans, and she bucked, sobbing.
"Please... please, no..." she begged, voice hoarse.
"Somebody help me–please!"
A fist slammed into the side of her face, he smacked her hard on her cheek.
Pain exploded through her skull. Her body went limp for a second,with her vision swimming. Then it started again, his hands everywhere.
Her underwear tore next.
"No!" she shrieked, trembling violently, tears blinding her.
"Stop,don't do this, I'm begging you, please...."
He didn't speak. Not once. He just kept taking off everything off her body until he spread her thighs roughly before sliding his dick into her,without any warning.
Her screams faded into a hollow whimper.
--
Serena shot up in bed, drenched in sweat, gasping for air like she was drowning.
Her hands flew to her chest, then her stomach, clothes intact, probably Wolfe's shirt but at least there's something on her body. Her body trembled as she looked around, she's inside Wolfe's room, safe and sound..but that didn't stop her body from shaking.
Wolfe sat silently in the corner, on the windowsill, one leg resting over the other. His eyes were glowing softly while staring at her.
"Serena?" his voice was low.
"Are you alright?" He stood up.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she threw the blankets off, her breath ragged as she climbed out of bed. Her legs were weak, her knees almost giving out beneath her as she staggered toward the door.
"Rena," Wolfe called.
But she didn't turn to look at him.
She just left the room, slamming the door behind her with shaking hands.
Wolfe stood in the silence that followed, his gaze fixed on the door.
But he didn't follow her.
--
Serena rushed into her room, still gasping, Wolfe's shirt clinging to her damp skin.
She tore it off quickly, tossed it to the floor,then her bikini, shedidn't bother reaching for anything else. Her bare feet moved fast across the marble, her body tense, her breathing broken.
She stepped into the bathroom, turned the shower on high, and walked straight under the water.
Hot.
The water poured over her head, her shoulders, her chest–washing away the cold sweat, the memory, the weight pressing down on her ribs.
She stood there for a long time.
Letting the heat burn against her skin. Letting the steam cloud the mirror. Letting herself feel anything but fear.
Her breath started to slow.
Her eyes closed.
Ten minutes passed before she finally reached for the towel.
She wrapped it around herself, stepped out, and wiped a hand down the foggy glass.
When she stepped into the room again, she froze.
There's a tray on the bedstand.
Steamed rice.
Grilled chicken strips.
Warm bread rolls with honey butter.
Sliced apples and grapes.
And a tall glass of cold juice with ice still clinking at the top.
Serena blinked.
She didn't ask for food,so how come? But since she's really hungry, special appreciation to whoever brought it.
But does that mean....she blinked and looked around.
Fuck...she didn't lock her door.
She dried off quickly and pulled on a clean nightie, simple, soft, and loose enough to breathe in.
After locking the door, she climbed into bed, grabbed her iPad from the stand, and leaned back against the headboard.
Netflix.
Something light would do it.
Anything to drown out her own thoughts.
She picked a random movie and started eating slowly, one bite at a time. The room was quiet except for the low sound from the screen and the occasional clink of her spoon against the plate.
It helped.
Not fully. But enough.
And sometime later, she didn't even notice when....
Her eyes closed.
Deep sleep took over.
--
NEXT DAY, LIVEL VINEYARDS CEO OFFICE*
The office look big and well arranged, walls lined with awards and framed magazine covers. The scent of oakwood lingered faintly in the air, coming from the barrels kept in the private tasting room behind the glass wall.
At the center sat Aren Livel, CEO of Livel Vineyards, one of the country's top wine brands.
He's 27, handsome in a polished, press-perfect kind of way. Sharp jaw, well-groomed hair,just handsome.
But no matter how many deals he signed, or how many cities carried his name,
He's always in second place.
Behind Wolfe Hayes.
No one said it to his face.
They didn't have to.
The wine industry already knew who the crown belonged to anyway, including him but who would admit to that?
The office door opened gently.
Tessa–his secretary, walked in with a small silver tray in hand. Her heels tapped lightly against the floor.
"Sir," she said, stepping forward. "You've received this, an official invite for tomorrow"
Aren took the card, his eyes scanning the gold embossing.
The letter read: Annual Elite Industry Gala – Executive Night | Chicago, 8PM.
Under the card,in tiny letters: Come with a date.
He hummed low, unimpressed at first, until his eyes narrowed.
"Is Wolfe attending?"
Tessa nodded.
"Yes, sir. His name is listed on the main guest panel."
Aren looked at the invite again. Longer this time.
"Good," he said simply, setting the card down on his desk.
"Prepare my outfit for tomorrow night."
Tessa gave a light bow.
"Yes, Mr. Livel."
She turned and walked out, door closing behind her with a soft click.
Aren leaned back in his chair.
--
MONARCH CROWN HIGH*
The classroom was empty, except for Ezran.
He sat on his seat at the back, his phone in hand, scrolling through like he hadn't noticed time passing. The halls outside were quieter now, filled with the low chatter of students heading to lunch.
The door creaked open some minutes later, and Benjamin peeked in.
"You're not eating today?" he asked.
Ezran didn't look up at first.
"Not hungry."
Benjamin stepped in, holding a juice box in one hand.
"You said that yesterday as well, Come on. The food's not that bad"
Ezran finally looked at him.
"Let's go," Benjamin added.
"I'll cover your tray if that's what it takes." He said with a smile.
Ezran sighed quietly, put his phone away, and stood.
"You know you don't have to be friendly because of what happened right?" He asked as they left the class.
"I know, but you're the only one who cares to talk to me also....so let's be friends" Benjamin said.
Ezran said nothing.
They walked together to the cafeteria, where the noise picked up,not loud, but constant.
The space is large and open, with soft golden lighting above and long dark wood tables arranged in perfect rows. Booths lined the walls, some raised with glass dividers for privacy. It looked more like a luxury restaurant than a school cafeteria.
Inside, Rose sat with Grace and Ava, tucked into one of the corner booths.
Grace had a tray with spicy chicken pasta and an iced berry drink.
Ava had fries, fruit, and a yogurt cup.
Rose had a small plate of rice and grilled fish, a carton of strawberry milk beside it as always.
The girls were laughing quietly over something Ava said, until the whispers started.
The air shifted.
Immediately Ezran stepped in, heads turning.
He moved with the same quiet presence as always, hands in his pockets, eyes blank as ice. Benjamin followed beside him, keeping close.
They took a seat near the center tables, and a waiter-style server appeared quickly with their trays.
From Rose's table, Grace nudged her.
"He really is so hot," she whispered, eyes wide.
Ava leaned closer.
"Look at how he sits, Even hotter" She whispered.
Rose didn't say anything at first.
Then her eyes slowly lifted, and met his.
Ezran was already staring her way.
Their gazes locked for a second.
A soft second.
Rose looked away quickly, her cheeks flushing. She grabbed her milk and sipped fast, pretending to scroll through her phone.
Ezran scoffed under his breath.
And went back to eating like nothing happened.
Rose bit her lip.
--
6PM, VARENO LUXE MALL*
(Men's Exclusive Floor)
Inside the private section of Vareno Luxe, the air smelled like clean wood, expensive leather, and soft cologne. The lighting was gold and low, the shelves lined with designer wears, polished shoes, and silk ties arranged by color and texture.
Wolfe stood at the center, his hands in his pockets.
Beside him, Serena moved smoothly between racks, giving instructions.
"Not this shade. Bring something darker. And skip the satin," she told the attendants.
Every time Wolfe shifted slightly, adjusted his cuff, turned his head, someone would blush. The attendants kept stealing glances, some biting their lips, some barely breathing whenever he spoke.
It was beginning to irritate Serena.
She didn't say anything. But the more they smiled at him like love-struck idiots, the more her jaw tightened.
Still, she kept going.
Three suits came out. Then five. Then nine.
None were good enough. Wolfe didn't even touch most of them. Just stared, then looked away.
Finally, one of them brought out a deep black custom-cut suit with a subtle velvet trim.
Wolfe gave it one look. Then nodded once.
"This one."
The attendants almost clapped.
Serena raised a brow.
"Finally."
Wolfe didn't respond. He just turned slightly, then spoke.
"Let's go to the women's section."
Serena blinked.
"Why?"
He looked at her.
"You need something to wear too."
She stepped closer.
"I have clothes. I'm going as your PA. I don't need...."
"You're going as my date," Wolfe cut in smoothly.
Serena stared at him, her lips pressing together, she sighed but didn't argue.
They both followed the attendants.
--
(Women's Section)
The space was brighter, softer, filled with mirrors, glass shelves, and dresses lined up like artwork.
Wolfe walked in, ignoring the shocked faces of the female attendants as he moved past the racks.
Then he stopped.
His eyes fell on a sleek, deep red dress.
Open back. High slit. Minimal coverage. Maximum effect and he pulled it out.
Serena's eyes widened slightly.
She didn't say it out loud...but damn, she loved it.
He handed it off.
"Bag it."
Shoes came next. Jewelries, bag. She declined three times, but Wolfe ignored everything she said.
He paid for all and they walked out.
The staff followed them out with the bags, bowing as Wolfe stepped into the cool evening light.
Serena reached out, took all the bags herself.
"Thanks for coming" The attendants said happily.
She rolled her eyes and walked out of their sight.
Zayne was already waiting near the car. He bowed slightly and opened the door.
Wolfe stepped in then Serena followed.
Zayne closed the door behind them and joined the driver in front.
The car started moving.
The drive was just quiet,nobody said anything,just silence.
Wolfe glanced at Serena whose face was focused out of the window, she haven't really said much today unlike her usual self,since last night.
And Wolfe hated that it bothered him.
He sighed softly and looked away.
--
7PM,VERSE7 AGENCY STUDIO*
(Recording Room A)
The final note played out through the studio speakers,soft, slow, then silent.
Inside the sound booth, Magnolia stood still for a moment, head down, one hand holding her headphones, the other clenched at her side. Her chest rose and fell slowly, with her eyes closed.
She's currently recording the last part of her upcoming single *Velvet Collapse*
"Let's take the chorus again Maggie" One of the directors said.
"Okay cool,go go!" The crew clapped.
And Magnolia's perfect vocal hit the right note again as always.
🎧🎶🎧
I gave you a reason to fall...
But I couldn't catch you at all...
Now I'm dancing with shadows and lies,
While you forget my name every night...
Silence followed when she finished.
Then applause.
The studio control room lit up with noise and movement. Engineers clapped, her producer spun in his chair, grinning from ear to ear.
"That's it! That's the one!"
"Magnolia, that take was magic. Don't touch it. Just master and done."
"I swear this one's going platinum"
Magnolia pulled her headphones down and walked out of the booth, quiet but clearly pleased.
Her manager, Kayden, met her halfway with a bottle of water already uncapped.
"You good?" he asked, handing it to her.
She nodded. "Yeah."
Kayden reached into his bag and pulled out a soft towel, gently patting the sweat from her hairline and neck.
"Perfect delivery, even better control than yesterday," he said.
"You'll break charts with this." He smiled softly.
"You always say that." Magnolia sipped her water, smiling a little now.
"But this time, I believe it."
Their eyes locked and Kayden smiled at her again.
The room behind them was still buzzing. A few people were replaying the chorus. Someone was sending the raw file to the mastering suite. Others were just watching her, like they always did.
She walked over to her bag and unlocked her phone and clicked on Serena's name on her WhatsApp.
She typed quickly
💬 Dinner? Just us?
She hesitated for only a second before hitting send.
It took less than a minute for the reply to come in.
Serena:
💬 Cool. Tell me where.
Magnolia's smiled.
She looked up. Kayden was still hovering nearby.
"Book the VIP suite at Lirio Blu," she said.
"I'm having dinner with my friend."
Kayden raised an eyebrow. "Security?"
She shook her head.
"Not tonight. I'm going alone."
"You sure?"
"Yes. Just do it."
He nodded and pulled out his phone to start making arrangements.
Magnolia grabbed her phone, lip balm, and a black hoodie from her seat. She tossed the hoodie over her tank top and pulled her hair into a low, loose bun.
"See you later Kay" She said.
Kayden looked at her and simply nodded,watching her till she was out.
As she walked toward the hallway, everyone greeted.
* Hi Mag
* You look so pretty
* Can't wait for the new song to drop
"Thanks," she called back softly, waving at a few of them.
"Appreciate it."
She passed one of the interns near the door who nearly dropped his tablet trying to speak.
"Uhm....hi..." he said with a short bow.
Magnolia turned slightly and chuckled.
"Are you ever gonna stop this bowing of a thing? Have a great night" She winked at him before walking away and the boy almost forgot how to breathe.
--
(VERSE7 Underground Garage)
The garage was dimly lit but clean, with rows of luxury cars parked under golden lights. Her black coupe sat right by the exit.
Magnolia approached the car with her keys already in hand, when she heard someone behind her.
"You know, it's starting to feel personal."
She turned her head slightly.
Leaning against a red benz nearby was Rayo, another top artist in the agency, looking casual, cocky, dressed in an open shirt, silver chain shining against his skin. His hands were in his pockets, but his smile was full of attitude.
"You always leave right before I walk in. I'm not that bad to look at."
Magnolia blinked slowly.
"You want me to also think you time it this way on purpose?."
"Only 'cause I know it makes you mad." He grinned.
Magnolia opened the car door without replying.
Rayo stepped off the car and walked a few steps closer.
"You could at least say hi. We've been labelmates for how long now?"
"Hi," she said dryly, one leg already inside the car.
"Wow. One word. No hug? No love?"
"Not today, Rayo."
He leaned slightly to the side, just enough to watch her settle into the seat.
"You're gonna keep giving me cold shoulders forever, huh?"
Magnolia started the car. The engine purred.
She looked straight ahead.
"Goodbye, Rayo."
And with that, she pulled off, the tires smooth against the garage floor.
Rayo watched her go, smirking to himself.
He shook his head.
"I swear… that girl's gonna kill me one day."
--
WOLFE'S ESTATE*
Serena stood in front of Wolfe's suite, one hand casually pressing the doorbell. Her other hand slipped into her jacket pocket as she waited.
She was dressed simply, but not without heat, just like herself.
A black crop top that hugged her chest like second skin, paired with tight denim bum shorts that showed off long, tanned legs. A light jacket thrown over it added just enough softness, and her hair fell in loose waves down her back.
The door clicked open seconds later.
She stepped inside without waiting for a full invite.
The room was dimly lit, clean, and cold like its owner.
There was no one in the living area.
But she heard the faint clink of glass coming from below.
The wine cellar.
She walked toward the open door and saw him.
Wolfe stood near the back, wine glass in his hand, his tall frame resting against the edge of one of the stone counters. A bottle sat open beside him.
He looked at her blankly.
"I'm going out for dinner," Serena said finally, one hand tugging her jacket straight.
"Just thought I should tell you." She added.
Wolfe lifted his glass and sipped slowly but didn't utter a word.
She exhaled through her nose and stepped closer.
"I said I'm going out...."
"I heard you," he cut in.
Serena raised an eyebrow.
"Then what's the face?"
Wolfe raised his head, watching her from across the room.
"What's wrong with you tonight?...not even that,since morning, since last night"
She blinked.
He stepped off the counter, walking forward slowly, like he was approaching something too soft. He didn't stop until he was right in front of her.
Serena crossed her arms on her chest and stared back, just as hard, grumpily.
Wolfe slid both hands into the pockets of his black slacks.
"Who are you going out with?"
She rolled her eyes.
"That's not your business."
"It is now."
"Since when?"
He took a step closer.
"Since you started sneaking around like a teenager."
Serena scoffed.
"I'm twenty-seven. I don't sneak around. I do what I want."
Wolfe let out a dry laugh and shook his head slowly.
"Stop lying."
Her face stilled.
"You don't look twenty-seven. You don't even act it"
She stared at him,her lips parting slightly. But no words came.
Instead, she turned sharply and stormed out of the cellar, her jacket swinging behind her.
Wolfe stood there for a second longer.
Then chuckled under his breath.
He ran a hand through his hair.
"Okay" He mumbled and chuckles again before returning to his wine.
He kept on chuckling as he sipped from his glass.
--
FRANCE, BLACKTHORN SYNDICATE*
Nina stepped inside Lucien's suite, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. The room was dim, lit only by the scattered gold sconces and the low flicker of a fireplace across the far wall.
Lucien sat deep on a leather chair, one hand resting on the thigh of a dark-haired girl curled up on his lap. She was halfway through a kiss, her arms wrapped around his neck like a snake.
Nina didn't even turn back, She stepped further into the suite, black silk blouse hugging her frame, and her sharp eyes trailing over the scene.
"Can we talk?" Nina asked with a slight bow.
Lucien opened one eye lazily.
"Leave us," he said to the girl.
The girl blinked, looking confused.
"But...."
"I said go." Lucien cut her off.
Without another word, the girl stood, fixed her dress, glared at Nina and walked out without looking back.
The door clicked shut behind her.
Nina walked closer, slow and deliberate, with her hips swaying seductively.
"That's not the type of woman I expected to find on your lap,boss" she said with a smirk.
"Bit too basic for your taste."
Lucien leaned back, one arm stretched over the side of the chair.
"She wasn't there for conversation."
Nina smiled and stepped even closer, then gently lowered herself onto the armrest beside him.
"You know," she said, her fingers brushing the collar of his shirt.
"if Serena's not giving you what you want… I'm always right here."
Lucien didn't move. But his jaw twitched slightly.
Nina's hand slid up, into his hair.
"Always ready. Always loyal." She added.
He reached for the silver cigarette case on the side table and pulled one out. With one flick, the lighter flame snapped to life. The smoke curled upward as he inhaled deeply.
"Serena's doing fine," he said.
"For now."
"And if she doesn't?" Nina whispered, her lips near his ear now.
Lucien exhaled a long trail of smoke, his eyes cold.
"Then I'll let you in the race soon enough."
Nina smiled and leaned in, still stroking his hair softly.
"I'll be ready."
Lucien said nothing, just his smoke in the air.
--
11PM, CHICAGO, WOLFE'S SUITE*
The guards were silently watching as Serena stepped out of the car and walked toward the building. Her heels barely made a sound, but the exhaustion sat heavy behind her eyes.
She had good time with Magnolia and strangely she was beginning to really like her, their vibes really matches each other. She's so cute,fun and lovely.
Just as she was about to reach for her room door handle, Zayne appeared.
"You're back" He muttered and Serena turned slightly.
"Yeah, hi" She muttered.
"Mr. Hayes wants to see you. He said as soon as you return"
Serena exhaled. Her mood tensed.
"Of course he does."
She didn't ask why, She just turned and walked toward the top floor which leads to Wolfe's suite. Every step up that staircase felt heavier than the last, and her irritation was already buzzing beneath her skin.
--
The door opened with a soft click.
Serena stepped inside, her eyes scanning quickly and they landed on him.
Wolfe was sitting on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, wearing black joggers and a plain dark shirt. Casual, yet somehow more intimidating and hot than usual.
He didn't look up and the air in the room was thick.
Serena stayed by the door.
"You asked to see me. I'm here." She muttered, but no response.
Wolfe reached for something beside him,a custom shiny black lighter shaped like a playing card, the Ace of Spades etched in silver across one side. He flicked it open with a snap,the flame was sharp and blue.
He brought it to the blunt between his fingers.
Lit it slowly and then Inhaled.
The flame died.
Only then did his eyes lift to meet hers, both Cold and Unblinking.
"Who told you," he said finally, his voice quiet but cutting, "that you could walk out of my sight without my permission?" He asked, very calmly,but very dangerous.
Serena blinked.
"I...
"I was speaking with you and you fucking walked out" His voice dropped even lower.
"I don't care what you thought you were doing."
She stiffened.
"And while we're at it," he added, taking another slow drag, "who gave you the idea that you could come back into this house while still acting like I owe you silence? You're giving me silent treatment or what the heck is it called?"
"Mr Hayes...."
He stood,Not quickly or loud.
Just with the kind of stillness that made the room feel smaller.
"You think because you're good at your job," he said, walking toward her, "you can act that way to me?"
He stopped just a breath away from her.
"You think you're untouchable?"
Serena clenched her fists.
"I'm your assistant. Not your maid." She snapped.
"Do I even have to tell you where I'm going?! I never wanted to live here,so leave me alone! I'm just your PA but your maid!!" Serena said stubbornly.
"No," Wolfe said, eyes narrowing. "You're mine."
Before she could blink,his hand grabbed her wrist.
She gasped.
He spun her, shoved her lightly but firmly against the wall, his hand pressing into the space beside her head.
The blunt fell from his other hand, burning out on the floor.
Serena didn't move.
She couldn't.
He didn't touch her roughly. Didn't say a word for a second.
He just stared right into her eyes.
Her heart? Loud.
"Next time you walk out of my sight..." his voice dropped lower, like ice on skin.
"You won't be going anywhere at all."
"Let me go!"
"I like stubborn kittens" Wolfe smirked.
"I'm not a kitten, I'm a cat, a big one..I'm not a child you can tell what to do!" Serena snapped.
"You won't stop talking huh? Brat doll" Wolfe chuckled.
"What are you going to do to me then?" Serena crossed her arms.
"If I do something,you will break. You don't have the body to withstand what I have in mind for you" he smirked.
Serena blinked fast.
Wolfe shifted from her.
"But you will get your punishment" he muttered and sat down on the same position he was before,and crossed his legs.
Serena stared at him blankly, is she even sure this dude is what everyone thinks he is? The way he act is more than what she expected, an ordinary guy wouldn't behave this way.
"What...punishment?" Serena asked,softly.
"Take everything off" Wolfe muttered and Serena blinked.
"Wh....what?..you're not talking about my clothes right?" Serena stuttered.
"I won't repeat myself" Wolfe said coldly.
She narrowed her eyes, but her fingers moved anyway, unfastening the buttons one by one. The jacket slipped from her shoulders and hit the floor.
"Everything"
Her lips parted, but the words caught.
Wolfe moved his head just slightly.
That was all it took.
She pulled the shirt off,slowly, then her skirt Left in her black bra and pant,her stomach bare, skin lit softly by the warm lights above.
Waiting for the next madness he would bring up, and it came right there.
"Kneel."
Serena froze. Her breath caught in her throat.
"I'm not going to ask again."
The words weren't shouted.
Her knees met the floor before she could think and she doesn't even understand but her heart was beating so fast that it's almost illegal.
He stood up, stepped around her slowly, circling like a wolf that already owned the kill.
He leaned down close behind her, voice brushing her ear like a threat wrapped in silk.
"Do you have anything to say?" He asked,his breath hitting her and Serena swallowed.
This was his plan? To make her shake??
Her lashes dropped.
Her chest was rising a little faster now, breath catching every few seconds.
"You don't speak unless I say so. You don't move unless I allow it. You want to talk back in my house, Brat Doll? Fine. You can stay here,until you decide to be a fucking good girl again"
He moved in front of her again and sat back down.
And then…
Nothing.
He said nothing. He just looked at her. Calm. Composed. Watching.
Serena's glare was also burning, right now she felt like setting him on fire on that couch,just how dare he treat her this way?!
"If I get up what will you do?" Her stubbornness spoke up before she could even control it.
"Fire me? Then go ahead,I don't care,you can fire me and give someone else the job for all I care!!" She yelled.
"Then get up" Wolfe said.
"Get up brat doll, and I swear,I will fuck breath out of you" he said bluntly and Serena's breath seized, even without the dick inside her yet.
"Not the same one you experienced, this time...you will beg for it"
Serena swallowed.