Novels by Veetoria

SERAFINA The penthouse was suffocatingly quiet.I paced the living room, panic clawing at my chest. It had been two hours since Mikhail delivered me home and I was yet to hear a word from Adriko.No calls.No text. Mikhail and Dima had returned a while ago but Adriko wasn't with them. They said nothing except “He’s handling it”.As if that was supposed to stop me from worrying. I had tried calling him but my calls kept going to voicemail. Thirty minutes ago, I attempted to leave the penthouse but was sent back by guards who were stationed downstairs. The thought of something terrible happening to him flashed through my mind and my chest tightened painfully.These emotions were foreign to me. When did I start caring about his safety? “Oh, Dear. You need to change out of that dress.” Nadia commented from the doorway, staring at me in concern.This was the fourth time in two hours that she had tried to get me to move and relax but I couldn't find it in me to leave my spot. I needed

ADRIKO The blue Cadillac pulled up in front of The Baccarat Hotel.I stepped out, adjusting my cufflinks before moving to Serafina’s side of the car. As I opened the door, she hesitated for a second before placing her hand in mine. Her skin was warm and soft.The moment we enter the underground gallery, all eyes turn to us. Conversations dwindling, hushed whispers trailing our movements as we cross the foyer to the main room where the auction will be held.This is my first public appearance with Serafina since the wedding and the first time I’ve ever brought a woman with me. There were extra security details with us tonight. I wasn't taking any chancesSerafina moved beside me, her posture calm but I noticed the way her eyes darted around, quietly observing the room I caught the leering gazes of men as they drank her in, their gazes lingering too long on her curves. I honestly do not blame them. She’s a siren in that sinful green dress.Tension coiled in my chest but I forced my exp

SERAFINA I sighed exasperated as Adriko shut down yet another dress with a clipped ‘No.’ Seriously? I glared at the screen, resisting the urge to throw my phone at the nearest wall. Why did he even insist on approving my dress if he was going to reject every single one? It wasn't like I was showing up in rags. But no, the Almighty Pakhan had to have a say in everything. Staring at the message thread, my fingers hovered over the keyboard. A part of me wanted to send him something atrocious. Maybe a neon pink dress with feathers, just to ruffle his controlling feathers. Actually… That's not a bad idea I thought as a smirk pulled at the corner of my mouth. ”So, how are you enjoying married life?” Diana asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I had texted her last night to accompany me Shopping. Luckily for me, she didn't have a shift today. Dima and Mikhali trailed a few paces behind us as we moved around the aisle. I groaned dramatically “Oh, it's magical” I deadpanned

ADRIKO I watched her as she looked away from me, her hands gripping the plate she had just pulled from the microwave. “Why are you asking me that?” she finally responded. I leaned forward, resting my forearms on the countertop and pinning her with a stare. “Answer the question.” She exhaled sharply, moving forward to place my food in front of me. “Six years ago, I got in an accident with my mum.” She shut her eyes tightly as she continued “I survived. She didn't.” her voice broke on a choked sob. Her eyes fluttered open and my gut twisted the moment i caught the look in her eyes. Unshed tears swam in the gray depths. “Things became strained between Papa and Lorenzo after that. Lorenzo blamed him for her death.” she continued. “He disappeared a couple of months after.No one knows what happened to him.” I tilted my head, watching the vulnerable look on her face. I wanted to believe her, but trust was something i didn't give easily. “I’m sorry about your mother Serafin

ADRIKO Nothing could have prepared me for the sights and sounds that welcomed me the moment I stepped into the theater. I knew Serafina was a performer. I’d heard the gossip and glimpsed occasional videos of her when my men ran a background check before the wedding. But i never paid much attention nor did i care until now. I stayed in the shadows, hands shoved deep in my pants as i leaned against the doorframe, watching her sing. The lights in the theater were dimmed with the only source of light coming from the stage so i knew she hadn't noticed my entrance.She stood in the center of the stage, the overhead lights casting a warm glow on her skin, her Auburn mane cascading down her back as it flashed hints of gold. She was stunning. When her voice caught on a note, i felt my chest tighten with an unfamiliar feeling.I told myself that i only came here to make sure that she had arrived safely. But i knew that was not true.Even after Sergei had texted me that she had, taken a cab to

SERAFINA “Good morning” I smile at Nadia and Irina as I sit down at the dining table where Nadia is setting up breakfast. “Good morning dear” Nadia responds with an affectionate smile. Irina barely looked up before smirking “Someone is in an awfully good mood this morning. Any particular reason?” she asks as she reaches for the steaming pot of coffee, pouring it into her mug. I couldn't hide my excitement. It had been weeks since my last performance. I’ve missed being on stage. “I’ve got a rehearsal today for my main performance coming up Saturday.” Irina’s face lit up “Oh really? That's awesome! I glanced towards the hallway “Where’s Adriko?” She shrugged “He said something about the Colombians, so he left quite early.” A part of me felt relieved. If he wasn't here, he couldn't stop me. I tapped my fingers against the table debating whether I should wait. I knew he would expect me to inform him before leaving. After what happened at the hospital, Adriko had m