Chapter: THE ATTEMPTDAMIENThe private airstrip hums with activity as Don Emilio’s plane lands smoothly on the tarmac. The sleek black jet, adorned with the Gustavo family crest, looks as intimidating as the man himself. As the hatch opens, Emilio descends the steps, flanked by four men who radiate danger. Each of them is armed, their sharp eyes scanning the area for any sign of threat.Emilio strides toward me, his tailored suit immaculate despite the long flight. His salt-and-pepper beard frames a face that commands respect, and his dark eyes lock onto mine with unwavering intensity. Evans and I step forward to meet him, and I feel like I have a fighting chance for the first time in days."Damien," Emilio greets, his deep voice carrying the weight of authority and familiarity. He clasps my shoulder firmly, his grip both reassuring and unyielding. "I came as fast as I could."I nod my throat tight with a mix of gratitude and desperation. "Thank you for coming, Emilio. I wouldn’t know where to begin with
Last Updated: 2025-01-08
Chapter: SHATTEREDANNAThe room is dim, lit only by a flickering bulb that barely illuminates the damp walls. My wrists are raw from the coarse ropes that bind me to the chair, and my throat feels like sandpaper. Nicholas’s menacing presence lingers, even when he isn’t in the room. I’ve lost count of how many hours or days I’ve been here.The door creaks open, and Nicholas steps inside, his dark eyes gleaming with malice. His lips curl into a smirk as he approaches, carrying a whip in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. My stomach growls at the sight of it, but I know better than to expect kindness from him.“Well, well, Mrs.Donovan,” he drawls, his voice dripping with mockery. “How’s your stay so far? Cozy?”I glare at him, my lips too dry to form words.He crouches down, holding the water bottle just out of my reach. “Thirsty?”I nod weakly, my pride shattered by my desperation.Nicholas laughs a cruel sound that echoes through the room. “Beg me for it.”My heart sinks. I know he’ll take ple
Last Updated: 2024-12-10
Chapter: THE PLANDAMIEN The walls of my office feel like they’re closing in as I stare blankly at the framed photo of my parents on my desk. It’s been years since I let myself feel this kind of raw, unrelenting pain—the kind that claws at your soul and doesn’t let go. My chest tightens, and before I know it, hot tears blur my vision.The last time I cried like this was the day we buried my parents. But now, I can’t hold it in anymore. I’ve failed Anna. I’ve failed to protect her, and the weight of that realization is unbearable.Evans sits across from me, his usual sharpness dulled by worry. "Damien, you need to pull yourself together. Crying won’t bring her back."His words, though harsh, ground me. I inhale deeply, wiping my face with trembling hands. "I know," I whisper, my voice raw. "But it feels like I’ve lost everything again, Evans. First my parents, and now Anna. She’s... she’s all I have left.”Evans leans forward, his tone softening. "Then we fight. You’re Damien Donovan, damn it. You don’
Last Updated: 2024-12-10
Chapter: EPIC REVELATION ANNAThe cold air bites at my cheeks as I step out of the terminal at JFK Airport, clutching my suitcase. The New York skyline looms in the distance, a strange mixture of awe and dread settling over me. Ian’s text with his address burns in my mind. My hands tremble slightly as I hail a cab.Was this the right decision?Doubt claws at me, but I shove it aside. Damien doesn’t care. He hasn’t cared for a long time or so I tell myself. The memory of his angry eyes last night twists something deep in my chest, but I force myself to breathe. This is about me now. About starting over.The cab ride feels endless, and when it finally pulls up to a towering building, my stomach churns. Nicholas’s directions lead me to a penthouse suite, the opulence of the place making me hesitate for a moment before knocking.The door swings open almost immediately, and there he is Nicholas, looking as polished as ever in a tailored suit, his dark eyes sharp and calculating."Anna," he greets, his lips curlin
Last Updated: 2024-12-03
Chapter: MISSED CHANCEDAMIENThe moment I read Anna’s message, my entire world shifts."Don’t bother coming home tonight. I won’t be here when you do."The words burn in my mind as I grab my car keys and race out of the office. Every mile I drive feels like a lifetime, the thought of her leaving consuming me. She can’t leave. Not like this. Not without me setting things right.My tyres screech as I pull into the driveway, the house eerily silent. The lights are on, but the emptiness screams louder than words. I storm inside, calling out her name."Anna!"No answer.I head upstairs, my chest tightening as I push open the bedroom door. The sight stops me cold. Her side of the closet is half-empty, drawers open and rifled through. A suitcase is gone. My heart pounds.She’s gone."Miss Rosie!" I bellow, my voice echoing through the halls.My appears at the bottom of the stairs, her face pinched with worry. "Damien, what’s wrong?"I take the steps two at a time, reaching her in seconds. "Where is she? Where’s A
Last Updated: 2024-12-03
Chapter: THE FLEEANNAI pace the living room, phone pressed tightly to my ear, waiting for Lola to pick up. My hands are trembling, a mixture of anger, frustration, and something I can’t quite name boiling inside me. After what feels like an eternity, her familiar voice answers."Hey, girl! What’s up?"Lola’s voice is light and casual, but I can’t match her tone."Lola," I say, my voice strained, "I need to talk to you."Her tone shifts immediately. "What’s wrong? Did something happen with Damien?"I sink into the couch, pulling a blanket over my lap. "Everything. Everything is wrong, Lola. We argued last night, and it was bad. He’s distant, I’m distant it’s like we’re tearing each other apart."I pour everything out, my words tumbling over each other in a rush. I tell her about the fight, about Nicholas, and how Damien discovered the messages. I even admit to avoiding Damien due to her advice on being distant from him. By the time I finish, I’m out of breath, my throat tight from holding back tears.L
Last Updated: 2024-12-03