JADE The door to our bedroom was slowly pushed open, interrupting the silence of the atmosphere.Luciano walked in, his appearance gloomy but reserved. I sat up straight on the bed and pushed the duvet off my legs.I dropped the novel I was reading on the bed and scooted a bit for Luciano to take a seat."Luciano you came back quite early. I thought you would come back late" I smiled at him.His eyes drifted to the digital wall clock on the monochrome black coloured walls. It was one in the afternoon. "I guess I did. I just wanted to come spend time with you" Luciano simply replied, laying back on the bed.I wrapped an arm around his chest and stared at him, his icy blue orbs boring into mine. "At least you are beginning to enjoy me being around you" I teased him."I always enjoyed your company wife. I was just too busy to spend enough time with you back home" Luciano laughed, pulling me closer towards him.Our nose touched and our breathing mixed. "You smell so good Jade. I almost
JADEI strode determinedly towards the Valentino mansion, a look of frustration seizing my facial features.Luciano was not aware about my coming here. How could I tell him? He would ask me a million questions and when I finally divulge it to him on why I need to be here, he would probably try to dissuade me from stepping foot in this mansion.I made sure to leave immediately after he left for work. Fortunately for me, Luciano had gotten me a driver for my personal needs.I just made him promise me not to relay any of this to Luciano.After the discussion I had with Luciano yesterday about Damien's and Valerie's offer, I was taken by restlessness and anxiety.I could not concentrate on anything no matter how hard I tried to do so.I just had to do this and confront that woman. Probably she would listen to me woman to woman. Because what sort of entitlement did she have that she thought she deserved and could take away my husband from me?Isn't that absurd?There was no way I was going
JADEFIVE DAYS LATER "Must we really go for this event Luciano? Huh?" I mumbled watching Luciano get ready as he put on his Rolex wristwatch.Apparently, the Valentino's had invited us to a party of some sort days ago and Luciano insisted we attend.I do not want to go back into that mansion. Last time I was there, I had a fallout with Valerie and I do not even want to see her face ever again.I do not know how a woman can be so comfortable plotting the downfall of another woman's marriage!Luciano had a smirk on his face as he stood in front of the mirror, observing my annoyed features through the reflection.I dropped the pair of heels I was about putting on, irritated to even wear it."Luciano won't you even say something?" I snapped, standing up at once barefooted and coming to stand behind him.Taking a thin mouth comb, Luciano began combing down his hair slowly. "Jade you have asked me that question a million times and I keep on telling you that we have to attend it. What more
Luciano led the blonde lady to a room, yes Damien had specifically given them both a room in one of the many cozy little picturesque buildings inside the mansions vicinity. He was stressed as hell with everything going on. Luciano knew his half brothers were planning something new, probably an uprising within his mafia and he had to squash it fast.Coupled with the fact that he had gotten tons of report concerning the goods being hijacked or either confiscated by the secular authorities.Everything made a bomb explode in his head whenever he thought of it and he felt like just going on a shooting spree.He was trying so hard to suppress his urge to just fucking kill everyone. After all, it wouldn't solve any thing.He had not had sex for a really long time now. And Jade did not seem like she was going to consummate their marriage any time soon.He could just forcefully have his way with her, she was small and petite in his arms.But it would kill their already blossoming relations
JADE My eyes fluttered open as I slowly stirred up from my slumber. The bright rays of the sun filtered in through the satin curtain of the room, feeling the room with their warmth. I yawned lazily and my eyes wandered down to the pillow I had laid on. I had cried myself to sleep last night.Luciano completely ignored me and went with another woman to have fun in God knows where.I doubt he came back home last night.He must be really enjoying himself.He did not even have the decency to ask one of his men to take me back home. Worst of all my feelings weren't even considered at all. Is that how much I mean to him?A migraine throbbed at the back of my head like a construction site was undergoing work on my head. Sitting on my bed and sulking all day won't help me in any way.I need to do something with my day at least so I can forget about all these. If Luciano does not mind unwinding himself by hanging out with another woman apart from me then I should probably do the same.I curs
JADEMOMENTS AGO"Follow that car. Don't stop" I instructed the driver as we tracked down Luciano's black sedan that drove far ahead of us. Luciano had no clue I was following him. After the heated conversation we had earlier this morning, I had expected him to stay back with me and at least offer me his company.That was probably the least he could do to make up for the rubbish he did in that power crazy don's party wasn't it?But he just zoomed off. And to God knows where.When Elizabeth informed me of his departure, there was no way I could sit and fold my hands whilst watching Luciano dance to the tunes of Damien and his selfish sister.I had to do something. I had to stop him before he consented to another of Damien's crazy ideas. And one way I could do that was by for staters, track down his location and follow him to wherever he was going to. I had a feeling he was going back to the Valentino mansion.And unfortunately I was not wrong either.I watched Luciano's car drive i
LUCIANO One week later We both did not want to be here. Infact I especially wanted to be anywhere but here. But my hands were tied. Jade had made up her mind concerning my marriage to Valerie. I have tried and tried to talk her out of it but she still was unwavering in her decision to get me married to Valerie.What had come over Jade? I thought giving her a week would enable her to come back to her senses but with each day that passed by, she became only more firm and resolute in her decision for me to get married to Valerie. As we both ambled into the Valentino mansion, the air held an aura of uncertainty for the both of us.Damien was nothing but pleased to see me here. As if the very reason for my coming was inscripted bodly on my forehead."Luciano, Jade, have a seat please" He smiled. We sat down, Jade moving inches away from me. Her action did not go unnoticed by Valerie.A vain smile curled by the corners of her lips upon seeing Jade's countenance. Man that woman makes
JADEI laid with eyes wide open on the bed, unable to let my eyes close even for a second. It had been hours since I arrived from the Valetino mansion but Luciano was not yet back. He did not come back home with me. Apparently, he enjoys Damien's company more than he enjoys mine. I had no clue what they were both discussing but I could not stay in that mansion any longer and exchange glares and unspoken threats with Valerie. I just had to leave. It is so hard trying to be fine when you know your entire life is falling apart and there is nothing you can do about it. I never wanted to get married into the mafia but fate has a way of working out your life for you. And now that I am married to a mafia Don, I have faced murderous brothers inlaw's, jealous sister inlaw's, near rape incidents, threats to my life...As I recounted each frightful experience, tears brewed up in my eyes. Lord what is...A heavy knock on the door reverberated through the walls of the room, causing me to jerk.
JADEA WEEK LATERThe smell of waffles sifted into my nose as I cracked my eyes open to find Luciano packing some food in a flask. A smile formed at the corner of my lips as I looked up at him. “What are you doing?” He looked back at me, “we're going to the beach, let's have a picnic there.”I gasped, excitement bubbling within me. I threw off the blanket covering me and got on my feet as I hugged him. Then, realization struck. “Didn't you say I can't go outside for now because…” I trailed off, but he knew what I was insinuating.It wasn't safe, even with Raffaele still hospitalized, a man like Luciano wasn't short of enemies now was he? Especially since Arturo threatened him a week ago, he's been paranoid ever since. He turned around and grazed my chin with his fingers. “I won't keep you inside forever my love, this isn't the life I want for you, I'll be there to protect you, and they'll be men on standby in the distance okay?” I nodded, my smile faltering. “Now go get ready,” he
LUCIANOI laid Jade on the stretcher as the nurses pushed her towards the emergency room. I squeezed her arm gently, “You're going to be alright,” I said, looking down at her. She swallowed, blinking rapidly. “Sir you'll have to wait here for her,” a nurse said, blocking my way as they closed the door to the emergency room.I nodded and stepped back, “she's pregnant, please save her,” I pleaded. The nurse nodded and entered the room, shutting the door behind her. Another stretcher rolled past me, one carrying Raffaele, his almost soulless eyes locked with mine for a fleeting moment before he was whisked into the emergency room. Aurora, her eyes puffy and red let out a cry as she pressed her back against the white walls, sliding down. I clenched my jaw, swallowing the lump that formed in my throat. “Code red! Code red!” A man screamed from inside as the life support machine started beeping. Aurora and I jumped to our feet, plastering our faces against the glass.It was Raffaele, h
LUCIANOThe car tires rolled against the asphalt as I drove towards the abandoned factory, a scowl etched into my features. I was going to save Jade, no matter the cost. Petro and my uncle had managed to convince me to take a few amen along with me. After all, what good would it be if I went alone and got killed by Raffaele, what would happen to Jade and our baby? Who would protect them?The mission was impromptu, so most of my best men were not available, most where offshore handling other issues. So the available ones would do. Petro would arrive at the location later with some back up, it was now or never. I was going to make Raffaele regret ever crossing me, he would regret putting Jade in harms way. The gravel crunched under my boots as I stepped out of the car, the deserted factory looming ahead. Luca's gaze met mine for a fleeting moment, a silent understanding passing between us before he and the others melted into the shadows. Raffaele wanted this solo - a dance of blood
LUCIANO I kicked the dirt beneath my feet as I let out a frustrated sigh, the sun had dipped and it was getting darker by each passing second. All my men had rounded up near the church. “We searched the area to the best of our ability, there was no sign of her anywhere,” Petro said. I stole one final glance at the cluster of houses in the distance. I couldn't help but wonder if there was a chance that she was inside one of these houses, tied up and scared.I looked around and arched an eyebrow, “Where's Jose?”As if the universe could hear me, my phone rang in my pocket, he was the one calling. “Hello, Luciano… You might want to see this,” his voice sounded over the line. I stepped into the abandoned wooden house, cigar sticks were scattered all over the floor and it seemed like some people had been here.Thuds met my ears as Jose descended from the stairs. We made eye contact and he tilted head upwards. “Upstairs, they left some things, it looks like Jade was here.”I followed
LUCIANOMy car screeched to a stop where the tire track vanished. I looked ahead, frustration clogging my reasoning. I couldn't find Jade like this, I had to think of a plan, come up with something..I let out a shaky breath as my anger rose. When I catch the person who took my Jade, I'll make them regret being born. The shrill of my ringing phone permeated my thoughts, I looked over at my phone, a scowl forming on my face. It was Petro calling. “Hello?”“Hello, Luciano, the cops are at the house and they want to speak with you since you're her husband.”“I'll be there in a minute,” I replied. I jammed the gear shift into reverse left this trail, the road went on and on for hours, there's no way I'd find jade like this. My automatic gates slid open as I drove in. A cop car was parked in front of my mansion, sticking out like a sore thumb. This was an anomaly for a mafia gang, but a necessary one. I got down from my car and made my way inside. “Good morning officers,” I greeted, plop
LUCIANO My shoes connected with the concrete floor as I stepped down from my car, banging the door shut behind me. Fatigue sat on my shoulders as I made my way into the mansion, it was still early in the morning, the sun was struggling to fully set. The only flicker of hope I had was that I'd meet Jade at home because I had left before she even returned back from her parenta house. Her presence made everything feel much lighter. I made my way into the house, my blazer folded against my forearm. As soon as I was in the hallway, my head was already swiveling around in search of my wife. One of the maids walked up to me, curtsying a bit before retrieving the blazer from me. “Where is Jade?” I asked.Elizabeth shrugged innocently. “I don't know sir, she hasn't returned since she went to see her parents.”My expression tightened, “What? Elizabeth, are you sure about this? Because I called her yesterday night and she said she was driving…”I facepalm myself, admonishing myself for not cal
JADETwo days later, I decided to visit my parents. Their house felt like a sanctuary, a haven of warmth I craved. As I entered, their smiles welcomed me, and I couldn't help but express how much I had missed them."Mom, Dad, it's been too long," I sighed, genuine joy lighting up my face as I hugged both of them tight. "Baby, how are you?" Mum replied with an even brighter smile. They led me to the living room and my eyes perused through the walls of my home.Everything was still the same. Nothing had changed."I am fine and what about you both?" "Well we are fine as you can see" Dad replied. My eyes tilted towards the stairs, expecting to see Melissa's bubbly profile come rushing downstairs to meet me."Mum, Dad, where is Melissa?" I inquired."Oh she traveled for her internship. She would be back soon enough. In a month's time I think" Mum replied, caressing my hair. A mild frown appeared on my face at her absence, "I miss her so much. I was hoping to see her""Cheer up princess.
JADE Love is really one of the most beautiful feelings anyone can ever have.It brings you with so much delight. Just the mere thought of your beloved and spending time with them is enough to keep you going and standing strong. Luciano has proven to be my rock, shoulder, companion and bestfriend. Getting married to him was indeed not part of the plans but I am glad I did. After the confession of my pregnancy, I saw Luciano change from being an overworking husband to a careful and compassionate father.He did go to work but he rarely ever came late. I wondered if it wasn't affecting the numerous workload in his office.But Luciano did not care to concern himself with that. He always cared for me, handled my tantrums and my cravings too.He would never even let me put a foot down without helping. I am pregnant not ill. His overcaring personality made me blush always.I am definitely lucky.As the day drifted into evening, Luciano orchestrated a lavish dinner at the mansion to c
JADE Days drifted by, turning into grain of sands and in the quiet of the mansion, I found myself in a conversation with the doctor.I had been feeling quite unwell for some days and indeed I was worried. The thought that I had eaten something poisonous, something meant to kill me slowly, wouldn't leave my head.I mean we are back in America, the den of our enemies.Luciano being a don has a lot of enemies and I'm no exception to the looming threats around his life.The constant nausea made me tensed and when it's sickly wave wouldn't stop, I just had to meet the family doctor.He ran a test on me yesterday but I couldn't wait to see the result and left quite immediately."You are pregnant Mrs Greco" the doctor told me with a warm smile, handling me the test results.Fuck! This was such an unexpected news – I'm pregnant. I am actually pregnant!But we had it only once, and ever since Luciano has been so busy. Was that one time enough to get me pregnant?Gosh I sound so much like a