WILLOW'S POVLuciano's proposal to take our relationship to the next level echoes in my mind as we sit down discussing the prospect of heading to court that day to initiate and finalize the marriage processes. The air is charged with a mix of excitement and anticipation as we talked on about different things."Why don't you get prepared?" Luciano pecks my right cheek."Why? I'm prepared for work already.""I'm not talking about that. Today's the day," he says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Are you ready for this?"I take a deep breath, feeling a blend of nervousness and joy. "It's surreal, isn't it? From a contract to this. But it feels right. I'm ready, Luciano.""I never imagined when we started this journey that it would lead us here. But every step felt natural, and now, taking this step together feels like the most natural thing in the world." He reaches across the table, his hand finding mine."We've come a long way, haven't we? And I wouldn't have it any other way."
WILLOW'S POVWaking up low spirited the next day, I sense a lingering unease which is very unusual. Given my actions the previous day with Luciano I shouldn't be feeling this way. The court proceedings about our marriage was enough reason for me to be happy and feel better, talk less of the incessant love making we made throughout the night. The room is cloaked in the soft hues of dawn, but my heart feels heavy. Contemplating the source of this disturbing feeling, a sudden buzz interrupts the stillness. It was from my phone which I pick up from my nightstand, checking what notification it was. It turned out to be a message, a text from an unfamiliar number. The message is chillingly concise: ‘I know your secret and it's out in the open. Watch out!’ Dread gripped me in a hard way as my mind races, searching for clues to the puzzle that has now intruded upon my morning."Is anything the problem?" Luciano asks behind me with sleepy eyes, his voice tinged with concern while piercing th
WILLOW'S POVBefore I could think things through, a call from my parent chimes in and I know right then that they are already aware of the situation. However, what I had never expected was their reaction towards the whole thing. I've always known Dad to be so strict with things, he never for once wants me to slack off in any way but I had let my guard down in recent times since he was so nice to I and Luciano to the extent of handing over our family company to my husband.I pick up the call and the first thing I hear is my father's yell. I can sense a heavy atmosphere on the other end of the line. He is really angry and I know whatever he is going to say, the conversation is not going to end well. I had a feeling."Willow, what's this is I'm hearing?" he asks with so much intensity in his voice that I am scared and short of words. I do not know what to say, neither do I know in what manner I am to answer because I know whatever I am going to say will not change things."Dad, it's not
WILLOW’S POVThe next one week for me was terrible and frustrating. Enduring a week of turmoil, I faced the fallout from the live news exposing my contracted marriage with Luciano. Most of my friends neglected me, especially the important ones. They all felt betrayed by my words, all of them claiming that I lied about the basis of my relationship with my husband without the exception of my parents. But one thing that broke my heart was that I never told them it wasn’t a contracted marriage since none of them asked in the first place.Due to this, my routine turned to be that I would leave for work to do the most important things without talking to anyone and returning home to Luciano who was the only one who kept me company. Amidst the isolation, his unwavering support comforted me. From time to time, he made sure to let me know that he’s got my back. This went on for about three days consecutively.But his recent peculiar behaviour instilled a growing fear, shattering the fragile sta
WILLOW’S POV“Is anything the problem, ma’am?” the doctor asked, knocking silently on the table in front of me. The knock jolted me out of the moment of reverie which I found myself.“Oh, I’m okay.” I managed a smile despite that I had a lot of things worrying my mind.“Are you sure, miss? I want you to know that worrying too much can affect the baby if proper care is not taken and I bet you don’t want that. It’s important to share your thoughts and feelings. Is there something on your mind?” the doctor persisted while I was reluctant to open up.After a moment of silence, I finally spoke up.“Of course, doctor, you’re absolutely right. But I’m scared,” my voice was tinged with vulnerability. “Though, coming here, I had my doubts about it already. Nevertheless, it feels new and for so many reasons, I’m not sure if I can pull it through.” I admitted, my eyes betraying the series of emotions within me. “I see, but its completely normal to feel that way, especially when its your first p
LUCIANO'S POVImmediately Willow left, I entered my office completely, taking a look at Clara in the faceSha stared at me and I stared right back. We stare at each other for about two minutes, each of us trying to process our emotions with the other.Clara was my ex girlfriend, an embodiment of beauty whom I met on one of my work trips and taken a like to. She was very bold and active when it comes to work, one thing that made me fall for her. Asides that, she was irresistibly nice; or so I thought till we went out seperate ways.As soon as I tore my gaze away from her, I couldn't help but confront the question that hung in the air like an unspoken tension."Why are you here?" The words spilled out from my mouth, filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.Clara who was seemingly unfazed, responded with a casual shrug."Is that a question? Can't I just feel like visiting my man?" Her tone carried a nonchalance that contradicted the weight of our history together."Point of corre
LUCIANO'S POVThe air became filled with a newfound feeling, as the implications of Clara's words began to settle in. The sudden revelation seemed to shake me so much that my face almost turned white. Why the hell is such news getting to me now? How come I never knew about this?Back then when I and Clara broke up, I had to make sure it was a thorough clean break between us. I hade made sure a private detective investigated her thoroughly to prevent a day like this. For about three good months, she was being monitored by my men."What did you say?" I asked, my disbelief evident in the incredulous tone of my voice as I was unwilling to believe her nonsense.vThe notion that I had a child without me knowing seemed like an absurdity too far-fetched to be true."Yes, isn't that what I said and isn't that what you heard?" Clara responded, her words exuding a mix of defiance and amusement."You bore me a child? Without my knowledge? Hell no! You must be joking." I protested, the absurdity o
LUCIANO'S POVNo matter how much I tried persuading Willow to speak up, she was taking everything in instead. All I said to her didn't make her show her anger no matter what. She kept everything in instead and it hurt me so much to see her that way. Normally, a woman in her shoes would have vented her anger but Willow didn't. Instead, she did her best to remain calm in my presence but I could see through her quite alright.Making matters worse, she said to go get together with Clara and my unknown son."What do you mean by being with Clara and her son? Saying I would take responsibility does not necessarily mean I would leave you for her.""Didn't you say you have feelings for Clara? Then it's fine. I'm setting you free. After all, we're bound by just one contract," Willow declared, her words carrying a mix of resignation and hurt. At this point, our marriage hadn't been formalized, but the emotional connection ran deep and I already regarded her as my only love and wife."I'm not doi
v*LUCAS’S POV**I glance across the room at Lucien, my mind racing with what to say about Camilla. I open my mouth to speak stuttering slightly, "I'll have to figure it out somehow," I admit, my gaze fixed on Lucien.He furrows his brow, looking confused “Figure it out? What do you mean?" Lucien asks.”Taking a deep breath, I respond, "I mean I want to talk to her, understand where her head is at. I need to know if she wants to stay, who she wants, and what's going on in her mind right now."Lucien leans back, his expression serious. "Honestly, Lucas, I think we should just let Camilla go. She's been through so much in such a short period. It's a miracle she's holding it together.And, let's face it, everything she's going through is because of us. If we never came into her life, she wouldn't be facing all these difficulties," he says.Nodding in agreement, I admit, "I've been thinking about it too. But, Camilla is avoiding me. Did you see how she acted when I entered the room? It's l
vLUCIEN’S POV**I stand in the dimly lit parking lot, my breath forming small clouds in the chill of the early morning air.It’s three in the morning,and I’m feeling anxious and exhilarated.Lucas and Liam, stand beside me, their expressions mirroring the same mix of emotions I feel.The last few days has been exhausting trying to discreetly send our message to the headquarters without raising suspicions or alerting the wrong people.The three of us have been through so much together, and tonight is no exception.I glance at Lucas, his tall and sturdy frame and he meets my gaze with a faint smile, he looked anxious too, clenching and unclenching his fist.Liam, on the other hand, fidgets nervously, running a hand through his unruly dark hair. He is trying so hard to hide it but I can see the anxiety etched on his face.Despite our fears, we knew exactly what to do."Are you ready?" I ask softly, breaking the silence that envelops us.Both of them nod, their expressions unwavering. I ca
vvLUCIANO'S POVIt's been a week since Willow's accident and finally the day for the hearing of my custody battle with Clara.I asked the doctor for a favour and had Willow moved to a different hospital secretly for her safety and also prepare myself mentally to restrict myself whenever I see that bitch, Clara.I fear that I might pounce on her with malicious intent when I set my eyes on her so I'm trying to keep that from happening as it would not help my case.I arrived at the court a few minutes before the scheduled and I am immediately accosted by Clara and her lawyer the second I enter the courthouse.I stare at them coldly as my eyes fixated on Clara who met my gaze confidently."What is the meaning of this?" I asked coldly."A last minute bargain," the lawyer said, his moustache dancing as he spoke. He is a short, bald man who carried an air of arrogance and unfounded confidence.I frown at them."What sort of bargain?""Let's settle this like adults and take it out of court,"
LUCIANO'S POVI wait across from the spa for a few minutes and eventually see her walking out of it.A beauty to behold as her hair cascades down her figure in enchanting waves. Her figure, a sight for the eyes in her black ankle-long gown that hugs her body, displaying her curves in full view to be admired by all who walk past her. Sunglasses adorn her face, keeping her beautiful eyes shielded from the sun.I can't help but be proud that she is mine.She spots me where I am parked in a pretty secluded location and makes her way to me. Her gait, the epitome of modelling art as she could easily pass for a supermodel with the way she struts towards me.Just then, a feeling of dread washes over me like a sort of premonition that something bad was about to happen.Just as I thought that, the sound of screeching car tires filled the quiet street as a car rounds a sharp just a few meters from her at a high speed, drifting in the process and using that momentum to head straight for her.It a
LUCIANO'S POVHer eyes widened at the sound of that."Custody papers?""Yes," I nodded. "I want custody of my son.""And you think that the court would grant that?" she asked. "You think the court would grant you the custody of our son to you, the father who is already dating another woman while refusing to complete the family which would be the best for the child?" she asked and then scoffed. "I am the mother, and I, unlike you wants what's best for my child. I want us to have a complete family. I have a better case than you.""We would let the court decide that," I shrugged. "Take the papers and get out of my office.""What if I don't accept these papers?" she asked with a frown."Then they would be delivered to your doorstep by the cops," I shrugged. "It isn't that difficult actually."She glared at me for a few seconds and then let out another sigh."Do you really have to involve the court in a dispute within our family?" she asked. "We can settle this between us."I gave a look o
LUCIANO'S POVThe past week since the day Willow came back has been quite tedious for me. Even though every other aspect of my life seems to be going smoothly, I can't help but be overwhelmed by my inability to get Willow to forgive me.She acts a bit cold towards me, refuses to share a room with me and even avoids conversation with me. If she ultimately has to engage in a conversation, she only replies with one word answers which I must admit is quite hurtful. And I understood that she was trying to be cautious since she would be going through relationship scandals not for the first time.The issue with Kenzo was enough for her to deal with right from time.It also fuels my resentment for Clara.Just one time when I decided to indulge her and entertain her shenanigans, she ruins the one thing that keeps me happy.I've had it all for as long as I can remember. Wealth, fame, looks, assets, endowments and women. I lacked nothing.At least that's what everyone who sees me thinks.Objecti
vLUCIANO'S POVWillow stares at me for a long while. Even as I plead and do my absolute best to further convince her that everything she saw was a misunderstanding. My words seemed to fall on deaf ears as she made no gestures to express her emotions. Her face was emotionless, her eyes bleak and her mouth shut.Very much unlike the Willow I know."Say something, Willow," I sigh as I eventually decided to stop talking and just listen to her."What do you want me to say?" she asked calmly, surprising me. "You kissed a woman you claim to have nothing romantic with and call it a misunderstanding. What am I supposed to say to that? Do I believe you who went there yourself and let her kiss you, or Clara, who obviously wanted me to see it by recording it? Who do I trust?""Me," I say as I inch closer to her but her eyes stop me in my tracks. They always had a fire in them that I love, but the flames I see now are so scalding hot that it would burn me to a crisp if I approached her carelessly.
WILLOW'S POVI watched as he came out of the shower, one white towel wrapped very low around his waist, making his v-line more prominent. The other white towel, he used to dry his hair. I tried very hard not to stare at him, but my eyes kept betraying me.Our eyes met in the mirror, and I quickly acted like I was keeping busy with my phone, but not before I saw him smirking.He picked up his shirt and started putting it on, buttoning it one by one. I could feel his heated gaze on me, but I refused to look up and meet his eyes. Both of us had sex yesterday, but that didn't mean I entirely forgave him. I had to trust him that Clara planned all this.I had to trust that he would never do anything to jeopardize us.“Are you coming with me today?” He asked as he picked up his pants from the bed. I would have been worried about him wearing the same clothes to work, but I wasn't. All the clothes in his closet looked practically the same, and I was sure none of his workers would notice.And i
LUCIANO'S POVIn an instant, Willow's mouth was against mine and our lips parted. Our tongues collided and our mouths meshed into a saliva pit. My arms surrounded her and we kissed powerfully for a solid time. Our tongues mashed deep into each other's mouths as our hands roamed over all new territory and while my cock hardened.“Let’s not do this here,” Willow said when she got her tongue back."Why? They'll understand we're making another baby." I replied."Oh, no! I won't survive mum's taunts if she catches us." She rose, taking my hand off her body. She locked the door and climbed the bed once again to prevent anyone from intruding in our moment.We continued kissing and she paused for a moment and I felt a shiver.“Give me your hand,” she said softly, and pulled my hand up under the front of her skirt till it was flush against her crotch.“Do you feel that?” she asked.“Hmmm, no underwear,” he said.“Feel how wet I am?”“Yes…”"That's to show how much I missed you."She kissed me