The Secret He Keeps

Prologue

(Blake)

My smile faltered while watching Candice walked down the aisle. I have lived for more than a hundred years but never in my life had I seen a woman as temptingly beautiful as her. In her immaculate white wedding dress, she was a picture of a woman every man would desire to be as his bride. She radiated with warmth and life.

When our gazes met, her lips curved into that same sweet smile that I fell for.

I took a deep breath when Candice was now just a few steps away from me. I could not wait to reach her out and grab her hand. She was the most radiant thing that had ever happened to me. She was my first love and my first in everything, too.

But she was also the person who gave me my first taste of failure.

When Candice was only a step closer, I clenched my hands to stop myself from holding onto her at the last minute. Because her hand… was never mine to hold. I swallowed hard when I saw her walked past me as another man held her hand. The two of them headed towards the altar.

I met her first. I found her first. I was with her first. And I loved her first. But today proved that those ‘firsts’ never mattered at all.

“Candice, do you take Luke as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?"

“I do.”

I breathed sharply while watching them exchanged vows to one another. Then and now, I believed that my place in the world was right beside Candice. But it turned out that her place was beside another man.

While looking at the bride, I, too, made a vow.

I may not be your groom but I promise that I will always be by your side, my love. I will always be your best friend. Whenever you need me, I will always come rushing. And that will never change. The pain in my chest disappeared for a moment when I saw the glimmer in Candice’s eyes.

Right. This was a joyous event. She was happy. And it was all that mattered.

As I watched them kiss to seal their marriage, I clapped along with the guests and smiled.

Best wishes, my love.

(Blake)

A SENSUAL smile formed on my lips when I saw the women waiting for me inside my room. There were two women lying on the bed while the other two walked towards me. They were mine for the taking. All of the women wore nothing underneath their short lace dress, showcasing their perfect curves right before my very eyes.

The minute I opened the door, I was instantly aware about the countless dirty things these naughty women wanted to do with me. I could read their minds. And right now, as I stand there, I could feel their excitement in the wild heat of their stare. I could also smell their arousal. The women needed me to fill them in and I needed them to fill something inside me. That’s why I don’t mind giving them what they needed as long as it would benefit me, too.

“Happy birthday, Young Master!” They said in unison while flashing that seductive smile of theirs.

I emptied the blood in my wineglass before answering, “It’s a happy birthday, indeed. And it’s all thanks to you, ladies.”

“We hope you like your birthday gift, Young Master,” Ashley said. She was a part of my team and she used to be my bed partner but that changed the moment I met Candice, the first and the last human whom I allowed to get closer to me. The only reason why I started to give a damn about birthdays was because she used to be by my side to celebrate it.

Without Candice, everything seemed to be different.

Remembering her left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was almost twelve midnight. She was probably sleeping peacefully in the arms of her beloved husband now. Before my thoughts could wander even farther, I shook my head and tried to focus on what was in front of me.

Like a true servant, Ashley bowed her head.

“I have gathered the most capable women working in the Clan and brought them here as a birthday present for you, Young Master. We all wish you a prosperous year ahead. I hope this can somehow liven up your mood.”