Chapter: CHAPTER NINETY What was that? Did I imagine all of it? "Please come my lady. It will displease the Grand Duke if you go home so early, it is only my duty to be a good host"Elara eyed Sawyer's outstretched hand, an internal battle ravaging her mind. She looks up at me, seeing my confused and disturbed expression she could read the questions all over my face. After weighing her options she decides leaving with Sawyer was better than staying to speak to me about what just happened. So Elara places her hand in Sawyer's and he leads her away to the boats. I let my eyes linger, knowing very well how stiff and uncomfortable Elara was. She did not wish to go but she still followed the Marquese. I followed behind, settling near the shores of the pond. The Marquese aids Elara in getting into the barge with him, they sit face to face, their close distance unsettling me. The boat begins to row away from the shore giving the two some good distance away from Ryker. Sawyer watched Ryker's eyes trail on
Last Updated: 2025-01-20
Chapter: CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINETents littered the grounds, nobles of different calibers crowded together, talking, socialising with drinks in hand and lips full with chatter. The gossip mongers and mamas had their own designated spot watching the young courting couples walk about, some boarding barges on the pond. Meanwhile the daughter of the Grand Duke stood far from the crowd, conversing with her cousin while Ryker was on his way with their glasses of sherbet. As he approached the two finely dresses ladies he could not help but watch in admiration as Elara laughed, her smile blocked by her fan in hand. Bad etiquette it was, to laugh so loudly with open teeth but laugh she did and the worry free, joyful chime of her laughter brought warmth to Ryker's heart. He hands the two ladies their cups, standing beside them while they gossip he took in the view. All these high class, wealthy people attending these parties under the pretense of socialising instead they only attend these to discuss each other's
Last Updated: 2025-01-08
Chapter: CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT As I watch him wield his sword, his muscles ripple beneath his skin like waves on a turbulent sea. Every swing, every parry, every thrust reveals a symphony of strength and agility. His torso twists, his arms flex, and his legs coil with power. His chest heaves with each labored breath, drawing my gaze to the sculpted contours of his torso, his body, accentuating the broad shoulders, the chiseled abs, and the sharp lines of his adonis belt. Sweat glistens on his skin, like dew on a summer morning, inviting me to trace the paths it takes as it trickles down his face, neck, and chest. His eyes burn with focus, his jaw clenched in determination. Each movement unleashes a fresh wave of desire within me. I crave to feel his warmth, to taste the sweat on his skin, to be enveloped by his strength.His sword slices through the air, a blur of steel and deadly precision. Yet, all I see is him – the warrior, the protector, the beautiful, battling form that stirs my soul.My heart pounds in
Last Updated: 2025-01-06
Chapter: CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVENShe stuffs her duffle bag, making sure not to forget any of her anklets or jewelry. The veiled dancer always came prepared for days like these, to sneak out of the manor under one excuse or the other but this time would be different. Ryker would be part of her and Augustine's plans to get her to the party undetected and slip her out the same way. It was risky, very risky but the veiled dancer had personally been invited to this party. Ryker stood there, watching her pack her costume while Augustine made sure she did not forget anything behind, "Your back up dancers will be waiting for you at the party, they are dressed the same way as usual. The moment you get there do not forget to stay out of sight till it's time for your performance, immediately after you need to leave""Yes Augustine, I know all this" Elara reassures her, making sure she was ready to leave as soon as possible. Fowler was occupied, out of the manor thankfully so she was free to leave without much suspicion. The Gr
Last Updated: 2025-01-06
Chapter: CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX 𝐑𝐘𝐊𝐄𝐑 I make my way through the residential quarters of the manor, feeling the curious, scrutinizing gazes pricking at my skin from every corner. The guards spared me more than second looks as I came up to the door one of the giggling maids was kind enough to point me to as Elara's door. Immediately I took notice of the scarce amount of guards in this area, normally along the stretch of the quarters more than 10 guards graced the halls, but here there were about 3 guards that switched posts, neither of them nearing the princess's chambers. Probably something they were forbidden from doing, that may have been what warranted the judgemental glares I got on my way here. I cleared out the lump in my throat, inhaling a deep breath as I brought my knuckles to the door, ready to do the gentleman thing and knock at the lady's door. 3 times would be fine right? Not to eager, not to rude. Just knock, do it! I mentally scolded myself but for some reason my body wasn't aligning wit
Last Updated: 2024-12-25
Chapter: CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE I could feel there was something wrong going on here. Did the Duke know that his daughter was the infamous veiled dancer? The way her metallic blue eyes dimmed, her gaze casted low with timidity while she seemed to shrink beside her father. She looked like such a different person than she was when she was so elegantly dancing, she was beautiful, breathtaking, fiery, her passion for the art seeping through every pore and enchanting every person. Her presence cast a spell, leaving everybody gaping. But just now she was quiet, smaller, the burning inferno that seemed to be part of her eyes had vanished. I kept my lips closed, watching as an older noble man walks in, his attire strikingly similar to the Duke's but significantly less adorned to show his lower rank. His eyes met mine, his cold stare laced with malice. I was taken aback, wondering what it was about me he already didn't like. He walks to the Duke's side, "My Lord Duke" he greets, standing right next to him. Then
Last Updated: 2024-12-08
Chapter: Chapter 38Julius's POVVera has been a little distant off recent and I had no idea why. I had a feeling it could be because I had been spending most of my time at work and not with her, so today I planned to get off work early and spend some quality time with my doll. I got into my car ready to drive home when my phone rang"Lexi? "I spoke bringing the phone up to my ear"Come to the hospital. It's Vera"My heart started racing as Lexi put down the phoneWas there something wrong with my doll? Was that why she has been distantI took off to the hospital driving like a maniac not bothering to consider the traffic lights or constant horns from other drivers. I needed to be with my doll. Ariving at the hospital I rushed in and met Lexi in front of the room I was told Vera was in. "What happened!? "I asked panicking "We were at homeShe said she was feeling dizzy and I went to get her some water but when I got back she had fainted on the floor"My heart sank and I was scared out of shitl
Last Updated: 2023-04-06
Chapter: Chapter 37Vera's POVWalking into the music room everywhere was dead silent. I held mother's book close to me like it was the only thing I had that was stable right now. I opened it and flipped to a slow and passionate song as I set it in front of me, taking a seat on the piano bench. I had found out num was a pianist and she composed her own tunes. I was so thankful to aunt for making me take piano classes. It made me feel closer to mum. I wish I knew her. I started to play a slow and sad tune depicting the way I felt I didn't know when tears started falling down my cheeks. I felt someone's presence close to me. I laid my head on his shoulder once he sat down next to me. Placing his hand on the other side of the keyboard we played the song in a duet and it brought more tears to my eyes as I couldn't hold it. He cupped my face in his hands"I'm sure she misses you too doll"Julius wiped my tears and kissed my eyes. I wiped my eyes sniffling. I hugged him and he wrapped his hands a
Last Updated: 2023-04-03
Chapter: Chapter 36Julius's POVI got out in an abandoned farm house. I walked in watching my back intently. The floors were all rotten and creepyEvery step I took no matter how quiet made a noise. All of a sudden I felt something heavy hit me at the back of my head and I fell down on my knees groaning. I looked up to see Cyrus. My eyes drifted to Vera who he had tied up on the floor. She sat there with her legs and hands bounded together. "Doll are you okay? ""I'm okay. Why did you come? ""I had to save you"Seeing her tear stained cheeks made my blood boil as I launched forward at Cyrus but immediately he pulled out a gun pointed at Vera I stopped dead in my tracks. "You didn't think I'd invite you here without coming prepared did you? ""What do you-""Shut the fuck up! Don't ask me what I wantYou locked me up and put me through 3rd degree torture and you have the balls to ask me what the fuck you did!!?Your an ass you know that? I worked under your family for some many years and what
Last Updated: 2023-04-03
Chapter: Chapter 35Julius's POVI smiled at Vera's cuteness as she ran into the house. I gave her a few minutes to herself before going in after her. Guessing she would have gone to the kitchen for some water, I went there and I stopped when I saw shattered glass on the floor and an empty bottle of water on the table. My heart started racing as I stormed out of the kitchen yelling out Vera's name. I had this painful feeling that something was terribly wrongMy yelling brought everyone back in to the house"What's wrong Julius? "Uncle Richard walked up to me placing his hand on my shoulder"VeraShe-she's gone""Gone? What do you mean by gone? ""I don't know mother. I walked into the kitchen and there was glass shattered everywhere. I just have this bad feeling"I was panicking as I ran a hand through my hair"Calm down sonWe'll check all over the house"They split up to check and I ran up to our room hoping by some miracle she would be having a shower or something. But my heart sank when she
Last Updated: 2023-04-03
Chapter: Chapter 34Vera's POVJulius wasn't joking when he said we were going to play baseball. After taking a shower together we slipped into polo shirts and jeans. I threw my hair into a high ponytail and slapped on a face cap. When we came down the whole family was already in the garden. It wasn't like any professional game. It consisted of two positionsOne for the server And the other the hitter or I think that was what it was calledThere were four teams. One with Julius and IOne with mother and Aunt Patricia and Uncle Richard Another with mother and Aunt Janice and the last with Denzell and Uzzaih. I was so scared. I had never played baseball in my life and here I was standing with the bat in my hand. It didn't help matters that my palms were sweaty. Denzell stood few feets away from me and I took in a deep breath as he served. I swung the bat with my eyes shut and I missed. I looked down as tears threatened to fall. "Come on Vera! "Mother shouted from under one of the canopies.
Last Updated: 2023-04-03
Chapter: Chapter 33Unknown person's POV"Where are they right now""In their family home boss""They are enjoying themselves""Good"I smiled, knowing well they won't expect what was coming for them. Their biggest mistake was forgetting me and forgetting I'm a force to be reckon with. "Keep an eye on themWait for my signal""Yes boss"Putting down the phone I felt the satisfaction of being a step closer to getting rid of my enemies. Julius thought locking me away in a cell and torturing me will bring me down for good. He's really blind. And that Vera was really a piece of candy. The memory of her in that red and sexy dress never left my mind. Julius really didn't deserve her and I was going to make sure she becomes mine. I never got anything I deserved. I had to struggle and after everything I ended up below Julius. I will make him and his entire family pay for everything. I will make him watch as I take what is his and then I will kill him. Vera's POVI stirred in a strong per of arms. Kn
Last Updated: 2023-04-03