ARRANGED MARRIAGE
Dionne is arranged to be married to Xavier, a powerful mafia boss with an unbroken reputation. To the outside world, he's cold, hard, ruthless, and merciless. She's kind, tender-hearted, beautiful, and caring. Given Xavier's reputation, Dionne doesn't want to fall in love, but soon, she learns that even the coldest hearts have a soft spot, and Xavier's just might be her. And although she doesn't like to admit it, hers might be him. Will they ever find love, or will this be a loveless marriage after all?
He raises his fist and I could swear I made a whimpering sound. I turn away and I look at the window as Xavier gets quiet. "Dionne." he says, his cold, hard mask still intact. I look at him, not saying anything, and he shifts in his seat, well aware of why I reacted that way. "Who did it?" he asks. I look down at my hands and I don't reply. "Was it those assholes at the university?" he asks, genuinely concerned. "Dionne?" he says, his fingers brushing against my arm. I jump at his contact and suddenly a tear falls from my eyes. "God." he says as I begin to cry. I can tell he's not used to emotion ....
"How was your first day sweetheart?" she asks sincerely. "A couple of frats tried getting in her panties in broad daylight and everyone around was gonna let it happen. How's that sound?" Xavier says, obviously still pissed.
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Chapter: ~Epilogue~Dionne's POV: It's Xavier's birthday today. Christine and the twins were so excited, they wanted to do something special for him in their own little way. Everyone moved out and settled in their own homes, so now it's just me, Xavier, and the kids. "Mommy, when's Daddy coming home?" Christine asks, looking up at me. "He'll be home soon, baby. He's on the way here now." I say, smiling at her as I get to my knees. "You think Daddy's gonna like what you made him?" I say, my eyes lighting up. "I think he will. Kai and Harley said he wouldn't like it though." she says, frowning. "Kai! Harley! Get down here!" I say. They come down with their heads down, letting me know that they already know they're in trouble. "What did you say to your sister?" I say, looking at the both of them. "Mommy, I said sorry." Kai says. "You can't say mean things like that to your sister. You too, Harley. Daddy already told you not to be mean to your sisters. How do you think he would feel if he knew you we
Last Updated: 2022-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 77"Dionne, what's wrong?" I say, gripping her hands in mine. She looks down with her hand over her stomach, blood seeping through her fingers. "Baby, talk to me." I say, panicking. She falls to the floor and I catch her in my arms as she tries her hardest to breathe. Tears prick at my eyes as I watch the life drain out of her. I hear three gunshots ring out and I hear a body drop to the floor, but I never take my eyes off of my wife. I sit there, crying like a baby as I hold her in my arms, hugging her body against mine as I rock with her. She puts her bloody hands on my face as tears flow from her eyes. "Baby, look at me. Look at me." she says, trying to smile through her tears. But I can't. I just can't. "You're gonna be alright, I promise." I say, crying. "Baby, I'm not gonna make it. I can .. I'm bleeding out too quickly, I .. I don't have a lot of time .. " she says, rubbing my cheek with her thumb, wiping away my tears. "Take .. care of our babies, okay? Tell them .. tell the
Last Updated: 2022-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 76Xavier's POV: As I stand at the altar, my mind races. All I can think about is seeing her. Feeling her, touching her, kissing her. My nerves are on fire as I think about finally seeing her and being able to hold her in my arms again. The scenery is beautiful. It's huge. I stand at the altar, waiting for her and all of a sudden, music starts to play and the side doors open, the grooms coming from the left and the bridesmaids coming from the right, meeting in the middle to lock arms and walk down the aisle and go their separate ways. Five minutes pass by and Camara's little sisters come down the aisle, dropping flowers as they walk down the aisle. Then those big white doors open to reveal my wife in a huge white dress. She looks gorgeous. She walks down the aisle with a veil over her face, her brother on her arm as she walks with a bouquet of red flowers. I smile as I look at her walking up to me, her brother kissing her cheek before he lets her go, letting her come to me. She gives h
Last Updated: 2022-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 75Dionne's POV: I wake up to Amber calling my name. Everyone else stands back as she sits on the bed, wrapping me in a hug as I wake up. "Hey hun." she says, smiling as she pulls away. She hands me an iced coffee and it doesn't taste like a regular iced coffee. "What's in this?" I say, looking at the cup. "Tequila." Riley says, sitting on the bed with me and Amber. I nearly choke, laughing. "Tequila?" I say, laughing. "We want you to wake up feeling like the best bride in the world. So we gave you coffee-tequila." Amber says. "Where's Mara?" I say, looking around. "She's coming. She just called and said Xavier was awake. Just got up, she said." Amber says. I smile and I pick up my phone, dialing Xavier's number. As I talk to him, my heart flutters in my chest, knowing that this is the man I'm marrying. "Anyway, I'll see you soon. I love you so much." he says. I can hear him smiling as he talks. "I love you more, Mr. Foster." I say, hanging up. When I hang up we look at each ot
Last Updated: 2022-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 742 days later Xavier's POV After a night of earth shattering sex and mind-blowing orgasms, I had to leave Dionne. She says it's bad luck to see your bride before the wedding. So here I am. Up at 9 A.M, in the biggest master bedroom Zeno's mansion had to offer, processing what's happening today as I lie in bed. I get up and I put on my slippers, brush my teeth, wash my face, then I go downstairs with sweatpants and a navy blue short-sleeve shirt on. I go downstairs to the island in the kitchen and Z's making coffee for the both of us and Camara. "Thanks for letting me crash here last night." I say, as he slides my coffee across the table to me. "Don't thank me. It's the least I could do for the groom-to-be." he says, winking at me as he stirs his coffee and leans onto the island. Camara comes down with Bentley and she gasps in shock for the sake of the baby. "Who's that?" Camara says, looking down at Bentley. "That's uncle Xavier! Say hi, baby!" she says as I smile at Bentley. She
Last Updated: 2022-01-27
Chapter: Chapter 73Xavier's POV: As I sit in my office smoking a cigarette, stressed from the phone call I've just received, Dionne walks in, with a smile, immediately brightening my mood a little. "Oh no. What's stressing you?" she says, her smile fading into frustration as she walks in and sits on my desk, crossing her arms. "Nothing." I say, not wanting to burden her. "Xavier, you only smoke when something's stressing you. It's never random." she says, arching her eyebrow, knowing I'm lying. I grab her hips and I pull her onto my lap, letting her straddle me and look into my eyes. I put out my cigarette and I sit back in my chair, looking up into her eyes. "What's wrong? Talk to me." I say, changing the subject. Ignoring the fact that I changed the subject, she shrugs and answers. "Mom wants to keep the kids for tonight, tomorrow and the next day so we can have some time alone before and after our wedding day." she says. "And you're asking me if that's okay?" I say, my eyebrow shooting up. "Ye
Last Updated: 2022-01-27
Chapter: ~Finale~The much awaited day had finally arrived. Kisses Jackson would officially become Kisses Jackson Green and Daniel would finally marry the love of his life. All of the last minute preparations were being carried out diligently. The wedding was to be the event of the year. The groom, the biggest corporate honcho in all of North Carolina and the bride, a well established doctor and socialite. All the big names in both the industries had arrived from all over the world to witness their union. Back in his hotel suite, Daniel was fidgeting with his cufflinks in anticipation and nervousness. Today was the day the love of his life would become his, truly. ****************** Kisses Pov When the veil was finally placed over my face, the back of it pinned to my hair with a crystal hair pin I let out a breathe I had been holding in for quite some time. Kylie was yelling at the wedding planner to make minute changes over the phone to the decorations while the poor woman who was overlooking thing
Last Updated: 2022-01-31
Chapter: Chapter 86After 4 years Kisses POV Finally, I have already finished college and have my own degree as a veterinarian. I am so happy that, despite the circumstances in life, I was still able to make my dream come true. My entire journey in college is not easy. It is like I’m on a roller coaster ride. Being far from my relatives and especially Daniel, is like I’ve been surviving. Daniel visits and sleeps in my condo once a week if he doesn’t have practice football. Despite all the hardships I have encountered, I am still thankful that there are people willing to extend their hand for help. Tomorrow is the day I have been waiting for. I am excited about having my diploma. I need to have beauty rest for tomorrow’s special event in my life. I wake up with a smile on my face. I feel mixed emotions: happy and sad. I am happy that my relatives and friends will be present on my special day. Sad because my parents will not be there. But still, I need to have happy vibes for my day. I quickly get a show
Last Updated: 2022-01-31
Chapter: Chapter 85~Daniel’s P.O.V~ Kisses leaves for school in a couple of days and to say I’m devastated would be an understatement. She hasn’t left my house unless it was for work or with me. I want to do something special for her today. I’m going to invite everyone over as a last little party to end the summer and get her a couple of things. I just finished my workout, Kisses is still passed out in bed. I get a couple of things together in the kitchen and prepare a small breakfast for her. She hasn’t been sleeping great. I’ve tried to talk to her about it but she just denies it. I know that she’s been having her night terrors. I think it’s stress-induced. I cut up some fruit and made a little platter, mixing some pancake batter together. I drop a couple of chocolate chips in them and let them cook. Once the food is all done I brew a cup of coffee and bring the food upstairs. Much to my surprise, Kisses is rubbing her eyes, the comforter covering her body. “Good morning, baby” I kiss her foreh
Last Updated: 2021-12-15
Chapter: Chapter 84Last night was eventful if you know what I mean. Daniel has been a bit out of hand lately because I’m leaving for school soon. Speaking of school, I still haven’t packed yet. I don’t want to pack yet. I’m excited about school but not the location. It’s so far from Daniel. I grab my phone, checking the time to see that I have to get ready for work. I’m only working half a shift today, maybe then I’ll have time to pack. I slowly get out of bed, careful not to wake Daniel up. I ruffle through my bag, wanting to put some pants on. “Mm, I can’t wait to wake up to this every morning one day” A raspy voice comes from behind me. “Oh shush” I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s actually been a sort of dream I’ve had since I was little. My wife and I cooking breakfast in the morning. Me in a pair of sweatpants, you in my oversized t-shirt with a cute messy bun and no makeup” He smiles, his eyes tired. “Go back to bed” I shake my head, walking into his bathroom to change and get ready. When I
Last Updated: 2021-12-15
Chapter: Chapter 83Today was the worst. Daniel had practice all day and I had to work all day. We were both so busy and I can’t even see him tonight. My phone sounds telling me I have a new text. Daniel: Baby Me: Daniel. Hey, what’s up? Daniel: I love you so f?cking much Me: I love you too hun. Is everything okay? Daniel: Nope Me: What’s going on? Daniel: Gotta go. Kisses I stare at my phone, confusion covering my face. I quickly dial Daniel’s number. It goes straight to voicemail. “Cody, I’m going to Daniel” I grab my keys, water, wallet, and phone charger and rush out the door. On my way I call Kylie, her voicemail greeting me. I get even more worried. Kylie always answers everyone right away. I hesitate to go faster than the speed limit, images of what happened last time flash through my brain. I ignore them, seeing the huge hill that leads to Daniel’s house. Soon enough I pull up to the house, rushing out to see a single car in the driveway. The house is silent except for the silent h
Last Updated: 2021-12-15
Chapter: Chapter 82I wake up with a sharp pain in my lower abdomen. Great. Daniel’s not in the bed, he must be downstairs. I get out of bed, trying to ignore the shooting pain. Surprisingly there’s not a stain. Thank God. “F?ck” I mumble, dragging myself into the bathroom, ransacking the medicine cabinet. “Kisses? What are you doing? Are you okay?” Kylie asks, seeing my pained expression. I shake my head. “Can I borrow a pad and some Midol or something?” I lean against the sink. It’s never been this bad. “Yeah, sure” Kylie nods, running to grab the stuff. “I don’t have any Midol, I have Advil though” She holds the pad out to me. “No, that’s fine. Thank you” I take it from her and quickly change only to see there’s nothing to change. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Kylie asks from the other side of the door. “What’s wrong?” Daniel’s panicked voice asks. “I’m-“ I start before a horrible feeling overcomes me. Soon, I’m doubled over the toilet. “Oh my gosh,” Daniel rushes over to me, holding my h
Last Updated: 2021-12-15
Chapter: EpilogueOne year later ... I drew in a long, slow breath to calm my nervous excitement as I lit the candle atop the chocolate cupcake I had secretly bought. I had made arrangements for it to be delivered while we were out sightseeing. Never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined I would be in Hawaii, let alone be enjoying my honeymoon there. Alaric and I had said our vows on the beach just days ago, surrounded by our friends. Now, we were alone, just him and I to start our new life as husband and wife. He was my husband. Just the thought sent butterflies into flight in my stomach. We were married. He was mine forever. I closed my eyes as his vows whispered into my ears in his delicious British accent. He had stared at me with those gorgeous green eyes and declared his never-ending love for me. Somehow, I had managed to stay standing while I melted inside. I had opted out of a big wedding dress. Instead, I wore a knee-length white dress. It was sleeveless and cinched at the waist. It pu
Last Updated: 2022-02-24
Chapter: 72Another month passed by as I forged forward with a life I had once only dreamt about with Alaric. I came home from working at the hospital on a random weekday and opened the condo door. I stepped inside and immediately noticed how eerily quiet the condo was. "Alaric?" I called out as I took a step forward. He was supposed to be off today. My stomach dropped as I wondered if he had been called in. "Alaric?" I took another step forward when something crunched beneath my foot. I lowered my eyes to the floor and looked quizzically at the rose beneath my shoe. I slowly bent down and picked it up. I inspected the red rose in my hand, wondering what on earth it was doing there, as my eyes gazed across the floor of the condo. My breath caught as my heart beat rapidly as I stared at the trail of red roses laid out before me. I trembled with an excited anticipation as I began to follow the trail, picking them up as I walked. I followed their path to the back patio door. I slid the door open
Last Updated: 2022-02-24
Chapter: 71I slowly woke up the next morning, safe and loved in Alaric's strong arms. The sunlight streamed from the balcony doors as I snuggled closer to him. He laid on his back, snoring softly was he slept. His hair was splayed all around him on the pillow. I studied his sharp jawline and perfect, red lips. My eyes slowly trailed to his tattoos on his arms and chest. How had I been so lucky to have him in my life? What I had done so right to deserve him? After the hell of my youth and the struggles I went through before him, he was something I never imagined having. He was more than I ever thought I deserved. And yet here I was, cuddled in his arms in our bed enraptured by him and his love. He stirred and groggily opened his eyes to look at me. He smiled lightly as his green eyes found me. It was me he looked for as soon as he woke up, and it was me who made him smile. The realization warmed my soul. He rolled toward me, his lips quickly finding mine. His hand raised and cupped my face as h
Last Updated: 2022-02-24
Chapter: 70I smiled and nodded my head. He raised his hands and gently wiped my tears away with his thumbs. He kissed my nose before taking a step back and pulling his shirt off. I stared at his bare chest. I slid my robe off and stepped into the hot water. I sat down as I watched Alaric undress. He stepped into the bath and sat down behind me. He pulled me back against him. I leaned into his chest, relaxing in the hot water and his secure embrace. We laid together, our bare bodies touching, as we relaxed but the sexual undercurrent between us made my heart pound. Alaric's fingertips traced up and down my bare arms beneath the hot water. He leaned his head forward and gently kissed my neck. I turned my head to the side, giving him better access as his fingers grazed higher up my arms and closer to my breasts. My breath caught as nerves pumped through my veins. I didn't want to be afraid of him, I didn't want to mess this up. My stomach meanwhile knotted into a tight knot of sexual energy. I bega
Last Updated: 2022-02-24
Chapter: 69Alaric took a week off work to be home with me. He planned to take another, but I assured him I would be fine. He waited on me hand and foot. He acted as though I was a fragile, porcelain doll and handled me with excessive gentleness and care. His antics brought back my smile and laughter, and slowly began to erase the nightmares and flashbacks. He danced around with his goofy moves, and every time my mind seemed to start to drift to those dark days, he would tell one of his cheesy jokes to bring me back. He was my hero from my kidnapping, and my hero now. He saved me both physically and mentally and I could never repay him for what he had done for me. Despite his hovering care of me, he would only kiss me quickly on the lips. He would kiss my forehead, my hand, or even my cheeks for much longer, but never my lips. He also never made love to me or even tried. Of course, I wouldn't want to either with how I looked. The bruises seemed to darken each day, and I walked around with a hunc
Last Updated: 2022-02-24
Chapter: 68Drake's body pressed down atop me, his weight pinning me down. He began biting at my neck between his slobbery kisses. "You're mine, Stephanie," he asserted in his monotone voice. "No!" I screamed as I began thrashing beneath him. His hands caught mine, trying to control them. His grip was surprisingly gentle, but as I swung at him, his hands wouldn't let go "You'll always be mine, Stephanie," he threatened as he unzipped my pants and prepared to take me against my will. "Stop!" I screamed, tears beginning to stream from my eyes. "Please stop!" My voice broke as I began sobbing. I yanked my hands back toward myself, breaking free from his grasp. As he lifted off me to undue his pants, I put my hands on his chest and tried to push him away. "Steph," he protested in a British accent. He tried to grab my hands but I ripped them away before he could try to restrain me again. I drew my right hand back and prepared to swing at him with an open hand. "Steph." His voice again had a Br
Last Updated: 2022-02-24
Chapter: EpilogueCheska The thought of Drake purchasing a gun still bothered my mind the entire night, but I decide not to question him again about that. I keep wondering why he suddenly decides to carry it now. We've been living in California for two weeks, and so far, everything is fine. This morning, he leaves for work, as usual. While I'm about to finish blow-drying my hair inside my bathroom, I hear footstep sounds from downstairs. That makes my heart thump hard against my chest. Ever since the incident of Andrew breaking into our house in England, the smallest sound and the slightest movement can make me become a paranoid again. I'm sure that Jake has locked the door, so if it weren't him, who else would enter this house? Slowly, I step out of my room and head downstairs, almost tiptoeing so that I won't make too much sound. My pulse quickens as I finally reach the ground level. When I see the person entering the living room, I yelp in surprise. My eyes widen as I see Prince standing before m
Last Updated: 2022-03-25
Chapter: 67Prince I open my eyes, only to find an unfamiliar ceiling. My vision is still quite blurry, but then, it becomes better. My head pulses with pain, but it’s so much better than what I felt before. Abruptly, I sit up and find that I’m sitting on a bed that’s not mine. What the hell has happened to me? I snap my head around and find Jake standing in the doorway, leaning against the door frame. “Shit,” I involuntary curse. “You passed out,” he says, as if it can’t be any clearer. “When I still saw you again this morning, I thought you were crazy. You looked like shit.” “How could--” “Cheska,” Jake answers before I can finish my question. “You’re lucky. She found you, brought you inside and treated you.” I freeze for a while before a sigh leaves my mouth. So, it’s not a dream. It’s really her. I thought that I was hallucinating. Damn. I even thought that I’d died and entered heaven. Cheska stayed here, by my side. She saved me. I suddenly feel so stupid for not waking up at that ti
Last Updated: 2022-03-25
Chapter: 66Cheska The moment I close the door behind me, my sobs finally break. I’ve never thought that I would say those words to him, but I had to. We can’t be together anymore. I’ve promised myself that I’m going to forget everything about my painful past, about him. I need to be strong, and I can only be so without him. I’ve planned my future, and he won’t be in the picture. Our future doesn’t work together. Mine will destroy his. Drake leans back against the wall, his arms crossed on his chest, his eyes closed. He has heard everything as well. When he turns to me and walks closer to hug me, I bury my face in his chest and cry my eyes out, hugging him back. I can’t bear the pain anymore. Hurting Prince breaks my own heart, worse than when he broke mine. He came all the way here for me. He waited for days, standing on the street outside. He still waited for me even when the rain had been pouring hard on him. He was crying when he said that he loved me. But then, I just crushed him with m
Last Updated: 2022-03-25
Chapter: 65Prince It’s been three days since I arrived in California, and the first thing I do once I get up this morning is to visit Drake’s house again. I look up to the same window, only to find that the curtain is still shut. Drake steps out of the house to go to work again, but this time when he looks at me, he just sighs, shaking his head in disbelief. He gets into his car and drives. Clenching my fist on my sides, I call her again, “Cheska!” But still, there’s no response. I find myself standing alone on the street again, but my yearning to see her doesn’t change. In fact, it becomes even stronger. I will wait, Cheska. I will. I will still be here. The afternoon passes by, and now, the sky has become dark. Earlier, I was away just to grab some lunch, and now, I’m still standing in the same spot, in front of this house. I turn my head when I notice Drake’s car pulling in. And the first thing he does after he comes back from work is scrutinizing me. He shakes his head again before wal
Last Updated: 2022-03-25
Chapter: 64Cheska As soon as Drake comes back from work, he visits my room. I sigh, closing my laptop. Drake leans back against my door frame, still in his office attire. “ Are you sure, Ches?” he asks me the question once again. I nod. This past week, I've been spending time with my laptop to figure out what I'm going to do with my life. And finally, I've found a light, filled with hope for my future. A way to achieve my dreams. "You know, I never thought that something like this would ever happen, but-" he falters, and I give him a hopeful look. A soft smile touches his lips. "As long as it makes you happy, I'm fine with it." Relief washes over me. I thought that he would be reluctant to accept my idea at first, butI always know that he's going to be supportive, as long as it's the best for me. I stand up from the chair, approach him and hug him, making him sigh. "Thank you, Drake. I always know that you're gonna be on my side." When we pull away, I do see the sadness in his eyes. Regrets
Last Updated: 2022-03-25
Chapter: 63Cheska Later in the afternoon, Fiona and I finally finish settling all my belongings in place. It's time for her to get back to her apartment, and I can sense that Jake's mood darkens once he knows that she's going to leave soon. Too bad for him, Fiona doesn't seem to consider another option. There's this mystery about Fiona that makes me understand why Jake is drawn to her. It's like she's doing this push-and-pull thing with my brother, which rarely happens because girls usually fall hard and fast when it comes to him. There's definitely so much more than meets the eye between them. When he sends her off at the front door, Drake says, "Thanks, Fiona. Couldn't have done it without your help." "No problem, Drake." Fiona smiles, and haven't I told you before how breathtaking her smile is? It's the kind of smile that belongs to the supermodel Barbara Palvin. So pretty. "Bye, Cheska." She waves her hand at me, and I wave back. Drake looks like he wants to give her a goodbye kiss, but
Last Updated: 2022-03-25
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