IsabellaIt was clear to me just how delicate this Renaissance issue was becoming. Was there no ally out there on our side? There were times when I doubted if Damien and I were ever going to survive this ordeal that was our lives. I knew that my husband had people in his past who had a hard time letting go but I did not think that it was going to be this difficult.I had moved twice because of how deadly his work had become. The first time, it had been our first matrimonial home but Damien's father had sent masked men to ransack the house. Till today, I still do not understand why. In fact, I still do not understand the situation between Damien and his father.Damien had gone to see Rose, his ex's mother to confront her about something they both had before I came into the picture. I had stayed with Ava, my husband's mother before I eventually moved in with my father.It had not been easy living with Emilio but it was safe and that was more than enough. I was lost in thought, waiting f
Damien As I made my way to the office, a heavy weight settled in the pit of my stomach, a familiar sense of unease that had become all too common in recent days. The mere thought of my father, Vito, being back in the company sent a shiver down my spine, reigniting old wounds and stoking the embers of resentment that smoldered beneath the surface.The truth was, I couldn't stand the sight of him—the man who had not only abandoned me as a child but had also endangered the woman I loved not once, but twice. His presence in the company was a constant reminder of the painful past that I had worked so hard to overcome, a bitter pill that I was forced to swallow with each passing day.But it wasn't just his past transgressions that irked me; it was also his arrogance, his sense of entitlement, and his blatant disregard for anyone else's feelings or opinions. He waltzed back into Renaissance as if he owned the place, strutting around like a peacock with a chip on his shoulder, his mere prese
Isabella "It's time, ma'am," A large man in a black suit approached Camilla and me where we were having our tense-filled discussion. I assumed that the man was her bodyguard."I am guessing that we are not done with this discussion," I said to her as she stood up."You are correct, Isabella, there will always be something to talk about. I guess this is the card that life has dealt us with," She replied."So until we meet again?" I asked sarcastically."Ciao," Camilla muttered offhandedly and followed the big man outside to where are convertible was waiting.I watched quietly through the windows of the boutique as she entered her car and the driver zoomed off with her to wherever she was needed.The events of the day replayed in my mind like a relentless torrent, each moment more vivid and unsettling than the last. The encounter with Camilla at the boutique had left me shaken to my core, a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike when least expect
Damien As I sat at my desk in the CEO's office, the weight of frustration and indignation pressed heavily upon my shoulders. Despite holding the highest position in the company, I couldn't shake the feeling that my authority was being undermined at every turn, particularly by Camilla Valdez.Her subtle but unmistakable displays of disrespect grated on my nerves, a constant reminder of the power struggle that simmered beneath the surface of Renaissance. It was as if she reveled in belittling me, in asserting her dominance over me, despite my position as CEO.But it wasn't just Camilla who tested my patience; there were others within the company who seemed all too eager to challenge my authority. Whether it was through subtle insubordination or outright defiance, their actions served as a constant reminder of the fragile balance of power that existed within the organization.I clenched my fists in frustration, my jaw tight with suppressed anger as I contemplated the implications of the
Isabella To what could have been. I read slowly from the pleasantly perfumed card and instantly, I knew who it was with a dreadful realization. I must have looked pale because Emilio was present when it happened."Isabella, you seem quite pale, should I be worried?" Emilio asked politely as we exited the boutique."It's him," I said. "He knows that I am here," I added looking around in terror.Emilio hastily guarded me towards the vehicle that brought him here and ushered me inside. I tried to stay calm as he got into the driver's seat and ignited the car. "How can you be certain that he is the one behind it," Emilio asked me as he drove me home. I could see how he occasionally threw a watchful glance at the side and rearview mirror as he drove."Because of what he wrote," I answered. "It was not just that alone but how he knew what words to use," I added.Emilio sighed wearily as he drove us home. "If only I had been in your life, all these would not be happening," He muttered pain
Damien I was amid enemies. I could not tell who was my ally in my quest to run this company that seemed to take more from me and give nothing back in return. And as the stakes got more higher, the deadly it became to work at Renaissance. The cleansing as Emilio put was already underway and I could feel the palpable tension at my place of work. It was as if everyone knew something was going to happen but did not know exactly what it was. As I scrolled through the newsletter on my PC, I came across a name that I did not believe I was going to see again. There was nothing particularly thought-provoking about the contents of the newsletter but I knew that it was a secret message. It had some keywords that racked my mind with memories from my military days. I suspected that it had something to do with the Renaissance but I was not so sure yet. Quickly, I got to work to decipher the hidden code making sure to carefully write out the keywords. After a few minutes of brain-racking, I fin
Damien As I received the anonymous clue, a surge of curiosity coursed through my veins, mingling with a tinge of apprehension at the unknown. The cryptic message hinted at a secret location, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, drawing me into its enigmatic embrace like a moth to a flame.With each step I took towards the old golf club, perched atop the upper edge of the city where the wealthy elite resided, the sense of anticipation grew stronger, fueling my determination to uncover the truth behind the clandestine invitation.As I arrived at the gates of the golf club, I couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur, the sprawling green expanse stretching out before me like a verdant oasis amidst the urban jungle. The air was thick with the scent of freshly trimmed grass and the distant sound of laughter and conversation drifted on the breeze, a testament to the camaraderie shared among the club's privileged members.I couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity as I wondered who could have
ISABELLA Thoughts of Natalia, Damien's ex-fiancée, loomed large in my mind, casting a shadow of uncertainty over my every thought and action. I knew all too well the depths of Natalia's wealth and influence, the power she wielded like a weapon against anyone who dared to stand in her way.Natalia was a force to be reckoned with, a woman accustomed to getting what she wanted, when she wanted it. Her family's wealth and connections afforded her a level of influence that was unrivaled, her every whim catered to by an army of loyal servants and sycophants.I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the thought of crossing paths with Natalia once again, knowing full well the danger she posed to me and those I held dear. She was a master manipulator, skilled at weaving webs of deception and intrigue to ensnare her prey, and I knew that I stood no chance against her formidable arsenal of weapons.But even as fear gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, I refused to let it consume me. I
Isabella As I lay on the floor, bound and helpless, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within me – fear, uncertainty, and a desperate longing for safety and freedom. But just when it felt like all hope was lost, the door burst open, and there he was – Damien, my husband, my savior.Relief flooded through me as I saw him stride into the room, his presence a beacon of strength and determination amidst the chaos. With him was Jackson, his trusted ally, who had helped orchestrate our rescue. I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards both of them as they quickly moved to untie me and Ava, their movements swift and efficient.As the ropes fell away and I rose to my feet, I couldn't suppress the overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude that washed over me. Damien enveloped me in his arms, holding me close and whispering words of reassurance and comfort as tears of relief streamed down my cheeks.Together, we made our way out of the room, leaving behind the nightmare that had thre
Damien My gaze never wavered from Vito's face as I listened to my arch nemesis. The gravity of the situation got more and more deadlier as the night wore on. The papers were still in Vito's hand as I kept the phone to my hear.My father had an inquisitive look on his face as he watched me closely. The line went dead and I put the phone back into my pocket. I collected the the contract and without breaking eye contact, slowly tore it up right in front of him.Vito's eyes widened in shock and utter disbelief. "What the fuck are you doing?" He yelled maniacally as he knelt on the floor trying in vain to join the piece of paper together in a futile attempt.For the first time in my life, I saw him for what he was. An empty barrel of a man, a pathetic and sorry excuse for a husband to my mother and a fucking dead beat piece of shit of a father. I felt nothing but contempt and disgust as I watched him scrambled across the whole floor."Do you know what you have done?!" He yelled at me as h
Isabella As Ava was pushed into the room, I felt a rush of relief flood through me at the sight of her, mingled with a fresh wave of fear for our uncertain future. She stumbled slightly, her eyes wide with shock and confusion, but when she saw me, her expression softened with a mixture of relief and concern."Isabella, darling, are you alright?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion as she hurried to my side.I reached out to her, my hands shaking as I clutched hers tightly, drawing strength from her presence despite the terror that still gripped me. "I'm scared, Ava," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what's going to happen to us."Ava's eyes filled with tears as she wrapped her arms around me, holding me close in a comforting embrace. "We'll get through this together, sweetheart," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."But before we could say another word, the door swung open once again, and Camilla e
Damien As I waited anxiously for Camilla's instructions, every second felt like an eternity. My mind raced with a thousand thoughts, each one more frantic than the last. Where was she keeping Isabella and Ava? What did she want from me? And most importantly, how could I save them from whatever danger they were in?The minutes ticked by agonizingly slow, the silence of the room weighing heavily on my shoulders. I felt a surge of frustration building within me, the urge to take action and do something, anything, to rescue my wife and mother from the clutches of their captors.Finally, the sound of my phone buzzing broke the silence, and I quickly grabbed it, my heart pounding in my chest. It was Camilla, her name flashing on the screen, and I answered it without hesitation."Damien," her voice came through the line, smooth and composed as ever. "I trust you've had some time to think about our situation."I clenched my jaw, my grip on the phone tightening with barely contained anger. "W
Isabella As consciousness slowly seeped back into my mind, I found myself engulfed in darkness. Panic surged through me as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings, the weight of my own fear pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket.My heart thundered in my chest as I became aware of the rough bindings cutting into my wrists and ankles, the coarse fibers digging painfully into my skin. Panic tightened its grip around my throat as I realized the full extent of my helplessness, the stark reality of my captivity crashing down on me with brutal force.Frantic thoughts raced through my mind as I struggled against my restraints, the panic threatening to consume me whole. Where was I? How had I ended up here? And most importantly, where was Ava?A wave of despair washed over me as I realized that I was completely at the mercy of my captors, whoever they were. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I imagined the worst, my mind conjuring up horrifying scenarios of what fate awa
Damien As I strode through the familiar corridors of the office building, my mind raced with thoughts and plans. Natalia's brazen attempts to undermine me only fueled my determination. I had come too far to let her or anyone else stand in my way.But it wasn't just about me anymore. My family – Isabella, Ava, our unborn child – they were my driving force. I would do whatever it took to protect them, to ensure their safety and security. And that meant taking down anyone who dared to threaten what was mine.And now, as I sat there, surrounded by the trappings of power, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. I wouldn't rest until the Founder's Association was dismantled until my family was safe until Renaissance was secure.With a steely resolve, I reached for my phone and began to formulate my next move. There was no turning back now. The game was on, and I intended to win. Immersed in the intricate details of my plan, my phone suddenly rang, jolting me out of my focused s
Isabella Chopping vegetables for the lasagna, I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over me. Cooking had always been a soothing activity for me, a way to channel my thoughts and focus on something tangible amidst the chaos of life.Ava, my ever-supportive mother-in-law, stood beside me, offering gentle guidance as we prepared dinner for Damien. "Now, Isabella, remember to slice the vegetables thinly for the lasagna layers," she instructed, her voice warm and reassuring.I nodded, taking her advice to heart as I carefully wielded the knife. "Like this?" I asked, holding up a perfectly sliced zucchini for her inspection.Ava smiled approvingly. "Just like that, dear. You're a natural," she praised, her encouragement filling me with a sense of pride.As we worked side by side, Ava shared her secrets for creating the perfect steak marinade, imparting her culinary wisdom with the patience of a seasoned chef. "The key is to let the meat marinate for at least an hour," she expla
Damien I was watchful during the conference meeting. I took my time to really look at the board members sitting at the table to see if I could see a member of the Founder's Association but none were seated at this conference. Even Rose St Dumas was not present. Maybe she was preparing her cronies of corrupt businessmen and women for the final show down.Camilla Valdez was also not present but Natalia was. I could not tell what was going on in her head as she gazed at me. If her mother was one of them, did that not make her automatically part of tht fold? Was I over reaching? If the plan with the detective worked, it meant that a lot of people will inevitably get hurt. "What is the profit margin for today?" I asked as I got down to business. "Eight percent since last year," Natalia said in a professional manner. "That's lower than last two years," I said with a frown. "That was due to the Al Vegas controversy," One of the board members said. "You mean the embezzlement," I replied
Damien Returning to the office after the recent turmoil felt like stepping into a minefield, each step fraught with the risk of detonating hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. As I walked through the familiar halls of Renaissance, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gripped me like a vice, a constant reminder of the precarious balancing act I was now forced to perform.Every interaction, every word spoken, had to be carefully calculated and measured, lest I inadvertently reveal the truth lurking beneath the facade of normalcy I presented to the world. I couldn't afford to let slip even the slightest hint of my alliance with Michael, for fear of the consequences it could bring crashing down upon us both.My colleagues greeted me with smiles and nods as I made my way to my office, their cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within me. Behind their friendly facades, I couldn't help but wonder who among them could be trusted, and who might be secretly wo