Raymond
“You can't stop me from having what's rightfully mine.” I yelled at my dear old dad, who treated me as if I was someone who works for him not his own son, but then again his own father didn’t treat him like a son so it’s like father like son I guess.
“Don't use that tone with me, boy.” He said in a tone that was meant to scare me but it only boiled my blood more and I often wonder is he stopping me from taking charge over the companies because he wants me to get married and then have it or is it because he doesn't want to give up The control he has over everybody and everything.
Even his family, especially his family, he stopped my mother from doing everything she ever wanted because he said that his words with law, he stopped me from travelling and doing everything I wanted like starting my own business, all because I was his firstborn so I had to take over the companies but now he's the one pushing me away.
“You will have what's rightfully yours once you stop being the most important headline on the news and magazines for being the most famous Playboy, and the only way to do that is to get married.” There it is again, the one topic I never want to discuss yet he still brings it up every single time.
“tell the truth Dad, you just want me to get married or do you want me to get married to someone's daughter I don't know maybe a senator or a mayor, either way, you're the one who's going to get something good out of it and I'm the one who's going to be stuck in a hopeless marriage for the rest of my life.” I was able to hear the movements behind the door and I knew that my mother was listening to us argue, that I understand but what I don't understand is that she didn't get used to it by now.
“ I only want what's best for you.” I swear if only we weren't arguing I would have started laughing at him, did he really think that this would make me do what he wants.
“Well, that's weird because I remember hearing you say the exact same words to Ethan and Nathan and look how that worked out, remind me of one time where we were having dinner or lunch or breakfast and they didn't fight with you.” I let out a bitter laugh at remembering every single thing he made us do, ever since we were children to this day. This man is a narcissist who only cares about himself, his money, his fortune, his legacy.
He doesn't care about anyone else.
“Face it father, you don't care about me or Nathan or Ethan. You only care about yourself and that's never going to change, you know why? Because a narcissist never changes.” And apparently, that was the final straw for dad because he got up, slammed his fist on the table then started yelling “You crossed the line!”
“The line... What line did I cross Dad?” I screamed back at him as I heard the door getting opened and I didn't need to look behind me to know that it’s my mother standing there, this is how it always was, we fight then scream at one another and finally, mom comes in and stops the fight, but not this time because I've had enough of this bullshit.
“Remember that you're talking to your father.” Another yell and I swear that I was one moment away from doing something I might have regretted but stopped when I felt my Mother's hands clutching my arm tightly. “And you should remember that I'm your son, Not someone who works for you and bows to your orders” I pulled my arm away from my mother's tight grip and left the office without another word.
Alana
“I should never make decisions when I'm drunk again.” I said, clutching my head that was throbbing painfully while Malia who was sitting opposite of me was laughing as if she was watching a comedy show and I was only able to glare at her for a few seconds before my phone buzzed on the restaurant table.
From: Mom
To: Me
We are almost there.
“Before your parents arrive, give me my two hundred bucks because I clearly remember betting you that liquid courage will help you make this decision.” The confidence of this girl, I thought as I was searching my purse for any two hundred bucks to give her but I mean she's not wrong though because liquid courage definitely helped.
A few minutes after Malia left, I saw my parents enter the restaurant and my heart started beating at a rapid speed in my chest, that was it the moment that was going to decide whether I'm getting married next week or not but either way that's my decision because I'm freaking tired everyone making decisions for me...it's time for me to be my own person.
“Sweetie, how are you?” mom said as she sat down in the chair opposite of me beside dad who was pretending to ignore me ever since I refused to marry Daniel.
“I'm fine thanks, Mom. Thanks for asking anyway and being a good mother.” if I'm honest for a Split Second I doubted my own words about her being a good mother and maybe she is in her own way, as in for Dad he was the kind of father that when you go ask him for something he gives you a credit card, no hugs, ‘no I love you daughter’ no nothing... It's pathetic.
“So why did you want to meet us here, in a public place?” Of course, dad being dad would think that I brought them into a restaurant so that they wouldn't yell at me or fight with me even though it was never my intention. I just thought that the restaurant would be nice to have a conversation with your parents but apparently, not all parents believe that.
“I wanted us to meet because I have made my decision about what you asked me earlier or by earlier I mean about a week ago.” the moment the words left my mouth I caught a slight change in his facial expressions, a smile. He was smiling, poor old man. He thinks that I'm going to agree.
“And?”
“No, I'm not going to marry Daniel, dad.” Finally, there was a reaction I wanted. He was surprised and if I didn't know better I'd say he was terrified of my decision and maybe he is because if I marry Daniel his rank in society would have been up in the sky, what actually surprised me was Mom, she doesn't have the same reaction as his she was a little bit surprised but she was almost happy. I could swear I saw the corner of her mouth go up.
“ I'm sorry I think I must have misheard you.” Dad said with a look in his eyes that dared me to argue with him which I'm going to do anyway so yeah.
“We both know that you didn't mishear me and yes I'm not going to marry him just because you want me to.” I could see how much it took for him to control himself not that he would hit me, not that he ever did but he would always start yelling and slamming his fist on the table, it was just the tradition I guess.
“Honey, she made her decision and we should respect it.” All right, mental note to myself.
‘I should thank Mom when we get home.’
“I'm not going to respect anything she's going to marry him.” This is the first time in my life I heard him talk like that to Mom and me. He never forced me to do anything I don't want, let alone a marriage, what was happening to him?
“You can't possibly force me to marry him?” there was a pain in my voice but there was also fear, fear that he would actually force me to marry him
No, he would never do that, right?
“You have two choices in front of you, Alana. You either marry him and all of the hotels will stay yours but if you don't I'm taking every single penny I gave you back.” he was serious when he said this, is he seriously going to force me into a Loveless and hopeless marriage?
“You can't be serious?” My voice was merely a whisper but I know he heard me the moment he shook his head at me and I could feel my eyes burning with unshed tears, I immediately looked at my mother hoping for help “Mom?”
She didn't even look at me, because she knew he was going to do this and didn't even warn me. She didn’t do anything, she just sat there hearing her husband telling their daughter that he was going to leave her with nothing in her life.
“You have three Days To Think,” he said with no emotion in his voice, then looked back at my mom. “ Come on Laura, we're leaving.”
They both got up and left but of course, my mother had to give me that ‘I didn't know what to do’ look but she always did give me.
God, I hate them.
It took everything in me to stop the tears from falling and get up as quickly as possible and leave this place so I can go outside and cry in peace where the press will probably follow me to see you why am I crying but for all I care because my father just threatened me that I either marry my ex who destroyed me piece by piece or lose everything I have ever worked for in my life, not a hard decision, right?
Raymond
For the first time today, I let my mind move back to Alana Steel. The girl would make you do anything she wants you to with a look from her gorgeous green eyes, or just a command from her voice.
But one thing is for fucking sure, whoever made this girl a CEO of a Hotel knew what he was doing, she had everything that's needed. She's professional but intimidating at the same time. She's polite but she can burn you with one comment at the same time.
“Hey bro, you with me?” The voice of the ruiner fun, Elliott my best friend, distracted my mind away from the beautiful girl that I was thinking about.
“ Yes Man, I'm with you.” but of course my best friend being my best friend couldn't let the matter go as a knowing smile reached his face then he said “ who is she this time?”
“Don't get your hopes high buddy, I just met her once and she kicked me out of her Hotel.” well it looks like that got his attention because he stopped walking and turned back to look at me with a surprised expression.
“You're telling me that you met a girl who kicked you out of her hotel, am I dying or something or is the world coming to an end?” Elliott said as if this was the best day of his life, am I really that much of a Playboy that no one can believe that someone disliked me?
“Believe me, I was as surprised as you are but who knows.” Lucky me we are at the restaurant so he was finally going to drop this topic because if you want to keep Elliot's mouth shut then you have to keep it full.
When I was about to ask Elliot what he wanted to order I looked up to see him staring at someone so I turned my head to find myself looking at the same Alana Steel I met yesterday.
How small is this world?
AlanaTen missed calls from Malia.I put my phone back in my pocket as I kept on crying while looking at the ocean in front of me. I just don't understand how a parent can do that to a child, their only child. I mean I know I made mistakes in the past, I know I made a lot of them but I don't deserve to have this happening to me.“Well, could anyone believe a coincidence like this?” I Heard a Voice, that I'm pretty sure I heard before but I wasn't in the mood to be a detective now so I turned around to see who it was and wasn't it the same... What was his name again? oh yeah Raymond Dalton who called my hotel a trashy one yesterday.I let out a sigh before I turned back to look at the ocean and said “What do you want, Dalton?” He came beside me and laid down on the rails. He stayed like that for a while before he looked ba
AlanaWhat The hell is he doing here?How did he even know I was here?I'm pretty sure Ray can see my rage rising because he immediately came to my side and whispered softly "We'll take care of him, calm down and put this on." I looked down at his open palm to find a ring in it, I picked it up and spared Malia who was smiling softly at me, a glance.I slowly slid the cool ring on my finger and what caught my attention immediately was that It fitted my finger perfectly, as if he knew my size and maybe he did.It was a very simple ring except for the red diamond in the middle, looks like I'm going to be expecting a lot of surprises from Raymond Dalton.Ray extended his hand, waiting for me to take it with my gloved one which I did but it felt weird because I despised t
AlanaI think I’ve been afraid enough in my life, It’s time to let go.I leaned up the rest of the way and pressed my lips to his, the first intimate action I have done in almost five years and let me tell you it felt good.Ray was so careful with his movements, maybe afraid that'll I'll freak out any minute but he was wrong because I've never felt this touched by something for a very long time.Our lips moved against each other in a perfect rhythm as I slowly raised my gloved hand and brought it to his cheek. The kiss was sweet but aggressive and I don't even know how these two things mixed up together but they did.I felt Ray's left hand settle on my lower back while his right one came to the side of my neck and he started running his thumb back and forth on my jawbone.
Alana I never thought I'd say this but I actually miss seeing Ray. It's been about a week since that talk we had in his house and ever since he hadn't contacted me in any way. It was either Nathan or Ethan calling Malia to tell her about the wedding preparations but never Ray. And here I was reading the same paragraph from a contract that I should've signed about half an hour ago but Ray freaking Dalton kept popping up in my head. I have to talk to him. Yep, enough with this bullshit. I got up, straightening my black canvas pants which matched with black blazer I was wearing, just my usual professional clothes. Malia, who was almost working in my office everyday now because she was the head of the marketing campaign I decided to make for the new company we were going to be partners at.
Raymond What was her game this time? Fallon always loved to play games ever since we were little so what game is she playing today? Or even worse, what game is my real mother playing this time? "Oh, Ray didn't tell me he had a sister." Alana said but she was looking at me for help but I was frozen. Fallon should leave. Now. "We've been away from each other for a long time so I wouldn’t blame him for not telling you." Fallon's fake smile was even scarier than her normal one and I needed her or Alana gone, I don't need her with the same room as Fallon so how am I supposed to-- Malia. I picked up my phone and clicked on Malia's name and sent a message: Please, call Alana and tell her she needs to come to you and I'll explain later I swear.
Raymond I'm a bastard and I know it. Taking advantage of Alana because I was in the hospital was such a tricky move for me to do but I mean let's be honest, if Alana didn't want to move in with me she would've never agreed even if I was dying in front of her. But does that mean that I'm not happy? Heck no. Having her around me, in my house felt amazing to just think about let alone actually happen yet, here we are. We are standing in the place that was my bedroom before but now I made it become Alana's because it was the place that suited her most. Alana is a woman that should be worshipped every singl
AlanaI stormed inside the mansion and my anger didn't give me space to even respond to Andrew's greeting when he opened the door.Ray and the twins were all in the gaming room as I barged in and threw my purse across the room which caught everyone's attention."See I hate a lot of things and people but do you know what I hate most?" I paused and looked at all of them until Ethan moved his head in a way of asking me 'What?'"People who think I'm a fool or insult my intelligence and you… Raymond Dalton caused both of these two to be done to me." Now I had his attention when he placed the controller on the table in front of him while getting up with his borrows furrowed in confusion.
AlanaMy body felt like it was on fire.I could feel that my body was getting aroused by the second and all of that because of Ray. What was he doing to me?This was wrong on so many levels, well, for me at least but Ray looked like he was enjoying this, all of it.The little push and pull between us. The cat and mouse game that we are both apparently are taking a big liking to.My mind was so foggy with need, my body was now awake after years of being put to rest from any of these acts and my heart, that's a story for another time.We were still kissing, roughly alm
AlanaMaybe you and I were just not meant to be.No matter how many times I tried to shake those words off, they just kept haunting me. He kept on haunting me…But he was not a ghost to me. He was Ray. He was my love. He was my sanctuary… and that son of a bitch came between us."Ms Steel." The voice of Ray’s lawyer brought me back to reality and I knew why he called my name. He wanted me to sign the papers. The divorce papers but how could I?How could I let go of what I had with Raymond? I love him and he loves me but now he was pretending that he hated me to my guts because of that snake.
AlanaFinally, after about five days of waiting and talking to high ranked people, they are finally letting me see Ray in a private room for about an hour which is not something they allow to anyone.Waiting for the prison guards to get Ray was enough to make me think about the times when I didn't return the three words he said to me more than once.How big of an idiot I was. I had a gem in my hands and didn't realise how much it was worth but now I do… now I see him and would always do.The metal door creaked and my heart was aching to see Ray again, it's been too long. Way too long."Ray," I ran into his arms the moment he appeared in my view, not taki
Warning: This chapter contains mentions of sexual assault. Read at your own risk.....AlanaI was supposed to be visiting Ray now but instead, here I am… burying my parents.Daniel and Dina took things to a whole new level and even though I didn't exactly love my parents, I still wanted to get their revenge.I wanted to get their revenge, Ray's and everyone else they have hurt in their entire life.Malia was standing beside me but she seemed zoned out for a while now and I wished I could understand why she had been awfully quiet, no stupid jokes or teasing me. Something happened to her.Hayden took my hand in his and I saw he was sad but I&hel
RaymondA week later"What happened?""I told you, I don't remember anything." I said helplessly but that attorney, whoever he was, didn't believe a single word I said.He didn't believe that Anna called me to help her, he didn't believe that someone knocked me out of consciousness when I reached her house… and he certainly didn't believe that I didn't kill Anastasia Clifford."Alright, then tell me exactly word by word, what happened that day?" He asked for the millionth time today and I just wanted to go back to the dorm that I shared with three more criminals even though I wasn't one but Daniel and Dina had made their plan with no flaws and the only thing that's helping me survive this was one huma
RaymondEveryone was here. Malia, Hayden, Nathan, Ethan, Fallon, Mom and Dad but Alana's parents were out of the country and we told them but they were facing some issues so they couldn't get here quickly.And all of them tried to calm me down and tell me that she'll be okay but they didn’t know that!They… they could never understand my pain or the love that I have for her or how much I'm willing to sacrifice just to make sure that she would never get hurt again if there were to be an again for her.Tears gathered in my eyes, blurring my vision but I knew if I started crying in front of my family they would never let me be alone until Alana's operation ended and I don't need that… at least not now s
AlanaSomething bad was going to happen. I could feel it.I said that maybe we should keep laying low in France but Ray and everyone else did have a point as well, we still had companies and jobs to take care of, wasn’t that why we got married in the first place?Anyway, my point is that we shouldn’t have come back here yet, here we were standing in front of the Dalton mansion.And by we, I meant Malia, Me, Hayden and Ethan. We were waiting for the gates to open so we could place our stuff and then go to our companies while Ray, Nate and Elliot already went there.“I have a terrible feeling about this.” I announced, only to be met with everyone, excluding Ethan, to give me a look that said they were b
AlanaAfter some tried to kill us when we arrived we decided to lay low for a few days which was of course also the orders of the private investigator and the guarding company Ray hired because and I quote his words. 'I'm not going to risk your life or anyone else's so this is the best option, Princess.'So here I was on the fifth day of this lockdown with Malia sitting beside me as we watched the series Arcane after almost watching every single show we could that's at day, of course, at night I've been getting to know Ray more, his favourite colour, favourite food and more of these things and my heart was opening more and more for him.And it was almost night so Ray should be getting back soon from
AlanaThank God Ray agreed to let Ella live with us otherwise I would've taken forever to pack my stuff with my injured knee."Princess, I'll go see if your brother needs help." Ray said and peaked my lips quickly before he left and I didn’t even have the chance to do anything when my phone started ringing for the millionth time today, all of that because I'll be out of the country for a while."Alana." I greeted whoever was on the other line but I froze in my place when I heard this person talk. Shit!"Well, it's been a while since I heard the voice of my sister's best friend." His voice was even deeper and almost scarier than last time I heard it, then again, last time I heard it wa
RaymondFive days later"Listen I know you want to give Alana an out of the ordinary honeymoon but Paris is still one of the best places to do that so just go there." Elliot said in frustration because we had both been trying to find the perfect place for the honeymoon for the past two hours."Ray… I know that this is no longer fake for you but you also can't do this to yourself, I don't want my best friend to end with a broken heart man." He had a point but I couldn't control the way my heart beat for Alana or the love I felt whenever she was around or even when she was not.I promised her that I'll wait and chase her if I had to and I will do that no matter what it takes and I know that she still need to heal from the damage that Daniel caused an