The sun was just starting to rise. Bastien woke up before the light touched his face. Beside him, Kate was still sound asleep, wrapped in the sheets, breathing softly, her hair messy in that way he loved. He stared at her for a moment and kissed her forehead gently.He got up without making a sound, showered quickly, and dressed in his usual black suit. With a few documents in hand, he headed to his office.Not long after, the door burst open.—Sir, Miss Dianna has arrived —Lucca announced, frowning.Bastien rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a sigh of annoyance.—Alright… let’s go.From the bedroom balcony, Kate had just woken up and heard the commotion. She peeked out, still in her robe, and saw the scene below. A black car had pulled up to the entrance, and from it stepped a voluptuous woman in a tight red dress that hugged every curve of her body. The neckline left little to the imagination. She ran toward Bastien.—Bastien! Darling! It’s been so long!She moved to hug him,

Bastien changed his clothes with trembling hands and a steel-cold stare. The heat of the shower hadn’t washed away the guilt weighing on his shoulders. He couldn’t let this go. Not after what that woman had tried to do.He walked out of the mansion with a steady stride and descended into the dungeons. At the entrance, Lucca stood like a loyal shadow. As soon as he saw Bastien, he straightened up immediately.—How is the lady? —he asked in a low, almost reverent voice.—Better —Bastien replied without stopping—. But now I have unfinished business.He opened the dungeon door slowly. Inside, the silence was heavy, almost sacred. Dianna was curled up in a corner, trembling. Her once-red dress was now a pile of rags. Her body was covered in marks—bruises, scratches, swollen skin. The remains of her makeup were the only sign of the woman she used to be.She was filthy, her hair tangled, her lips cracked. And her body… was covered in fluids that weren’t hers. A mixture of sweat, tears, saliv

After taking a shower, Kate got ready. She did her makeup and hair, slipped into a short dress and heels, doing her best to look perfect. Today, she would see her stepmother—and it would also be the first time she appeared in public with Bastien, who was far too handsome to stand beside without feeling overshadowed.Bastien opened the bedroom door and caught her just as she was applying perfume. His gaze scanned her from head to toe—her gorgeous legs, her stunning back, and the perfect curves of her chest. Desire sparked in his eyes as he approached and kissed her neck, wrapping his arms around her from behind.—Why do you do this to me, Kitty? A week without touching you, and now you dress this beautiful? You know how hard you make me—he pressed her back against his pelvis, letting her feel his arousal.Kate gasped softly.—Bastien… we're going out today. I wanted to look good beside you.—You nailed it. You look absolutely stunning, Kate.He kissed her neck again, breathing in her p

Early in the morning, Kate woke up and noticed Bastien wasn’t beside her. She rushed down the stairs to see her puppy. Entering the kitchen, there he was. The little one ran to her wagging his tail as soon as he saw her. Kate sat on the floor and gave him food.“Come, come here love, come eat,” she cooed.The puppy ate happily and then started playing with her, nibbling her hand. Kate picked him up and smothered him with kisses. She felt a gaze on her and turned around — Bastien stood there, arms crossed, smiling as he watched her play.“How am I supposed to get your attention now that all your kisses go to that furball?”“Bastien…” Kate stood up and hugged him. “Would you mind a puppy-flavored kiss?”“Never.” Bastien kissed her passionately, wrapping his arms around her. The puppy started barking, as if someone was hurting his mom, and bit Bastien’s pants, tugging hard. Bastien ended the kiss laughing.“Hey! I saw her first. Your mom is mine.”Kate bent down and picked up the puppy i

In the bedroom, Kate could feel her heart pounding. The sensation of Bastien’s soft member in her mouth still left her breathless. She smiled, her cheeks flushed just thinking about it.— I never thought doing that could be so pleasurable… And Bastien… — Kate touched her lips. — Bastien is delicious.She looked at herself in the mirror, still smiling, finished brushing her teeth, and went downstairs, still nervous about what had just happened.— Miss…— Lucca…— Have a good trip. I'm a size L, in case you want to bring me a souvenir.— I’ll bring you an Italian woman who drives you crazy.— Oh, no thanks. I already go crazy enough with the boss. — Kate laughed and hugged him.— See you soon, Lucca.Kate got into the vehicle, where Bastien was waiting, staring at his phone. The moment he looked up and saw her still blushing, a smile broke across his face.— Hello, gorgeous. Come, sit here with me. — Kate sat beside him, and as soon as the door closed, Bastien kissed her passionately. —