Laid before us was a photo of his family framed with golden edges. The members of his family smiled brightly at the camera, except my man. He had an almost non-visible smile on. As per Maria, it was taken on Syl and Enrique's eighteenth birthday. They clicked a family photo of them four. It was a beautiful memory. But like every other memory, he had hidden it inside Enrique's old room. I glanced at him, his silence bothered me. A coldeness covered his irises as he stared at the photo. Jaw tight. Without saying a word, he turned around to leave, but I grabbed his elbow before wrapping my arms around him. "It's such a beautiful photo. Don't you think you should hang it in the living room or your bedroom?" "Sandra," he warned. Voice thick. "They are in a better place, Syl. They would want you to talk about them, smile at their memories and cherish the moments you spent with them. Not hide their memories in the darkest corner of your mansion," I said softly. "Today is your birt
"I think you should talk to the boss regarding this matter, Ms. Brooks." Ron appeared at the doorstep, nodding at the men who were moving boxes inside as a sign to leave. Once they were gone, he turned to me. One of his arms was wrapped in a shoulder sling while the side of his forehead was bruised. "Ron? What are you doing here? You should take a leave and rest," I said. "Are you alright though?"He nodded. "I'm good, Ms. Brooks. Thank you. Don't you worry, taking a rest won't keep my mind at peace. So I better work hard to make sure I continue to keep my job."Guilt washed over me. After all, he was in this position because of me. "I'm sorry, Ron. You had to face his wrath once again because of me. And the accident…" "Don't embarrass me, Miss. It was my duty to protect you." A warmth flashed across his old eyes. "You're like a daughter to me, I would do anything to keep you safe. I should be the one to apologize for not being able to stop whatever happened that day. And about bos
The gentle breeze blew past my hair, letting the water of the lake ripple in waves. The moonlight dazzled upon it under the starry night. I took a deep breath, taking in the earthy scent of the woods and the lake. But my insides didn't calm down. After calling His Highness's ass for the hundredth time, I was now sitting on the bench near the lake behind the villa and cursing at him. Here I was dying out of tension, panicking over his safety, and he didn't even think to let me know his whereabouts. I wanted to know if he already grabbed Marko and did what he planned. If he knew where Vincenzo was. I wanted to know what was happening there.On the other hand, Beth's wedding was approaching. I needed to convince Syl to let me attend. I couldn't just miss my best friend's wedding no matter who she was getting tied to. Maybe I could take him with me too? That way he would be assured that I was safe? I called him again, but to no avail. He didn't receive my call. "Fucking pig!" Sudde
Once we got out of the chopper, several men with strong built and cold features trailed behind us. My Italian guided me through the rooftop door to an elevator while Ron followed closely behind. He was already here when we arrived.Though the building was old and in a secluded place, the elevator and helipad was up to date. A place to deal with the Italian royal billionaire's secret matters. The moment we reached our destination, Oliver met us on the way. Through an empty dark corridor, he led us where they had kept Marko. Once we were in front of a set of dark wooden doors, Syl stopped in his tracks. I met his hesitant and concerned gaze. I gave him a nod. "I will be fine." Leaving a long pensive look, he wrapped his arm around my waist in a protective manner and nodded at Oliver to open the doors. And when the doors were opened, we entered a small room. A stale smell with a feel of suffocation hit me. And what shocked me was the man, Marko, hunched over on a wooden chair in th
Morning arrived and I couldn't be more anxious and excited at the same time. I had stayed in our room the entire night talking to Beth and Em on video call, planning things for the wedding. Only at two in the morning did they say goodbye and left to rest. And my Italian stayed out of the room the whole night. Though I felt him wandering before the door a few times to check if I was alright until I fell asleep. My cold shoulder was taking a toll on him. A knock on the door resounded softly in the room. "Sandra? Baby? Are you awake? I've brought breakfast for you." I huffed. I wouldn't have opened the door if not for carrying on with our plan. Rising to my feet, as I walked to the door, a sudden dizziness hit me. Clutching the knob of the door, I held myself still and took a deep breath. Once the door opened, tired yet soft icy blue eyes greeted me. And my treacherous heart skipped a beat. "Good morning, mia regina." Placing the tray of breakfast on the small table beside t
My heart stopped. I was…pregnant?A slight panic rolled in my stomach. I knew these pills weren't safe enough! My fear turned out to be true!W-what should I do now? I wasn't ready to be a mother. I didn't know if I could take the responsibility. What if I couldn't be a good mother…"Hey! It's fine!" Em grasped my hand. "Don't be nervous. Calm down and think about it. It's not as horrifying as you think it is. Plus, you will have to tell Duncan about it too." I licked my dry lips. "I…I don't know, Em. I…" "It's alright. I know it's overwhelming, but trust me, being a mother is the most beautiful feeling in this world," she said softly. "We're here for you, especially Duncan. You don't need to worry as long as he is with you." She hesitated before continuing. "But if you have other plans, then he will understand, I'm sure." A shaky sigh left me. Syl's words from the morning echoed in my mind. I knew he would be there with me no matter what. But I didn't know what decision I needed
Now? What happened all of a sudden?Ron suddenly rushed inside the church, nodding at Syl. His stance was tense, the guards behind him stood stiff. My heart started to race. Gripping my hand in his firmly, Syl took me away from the bride and groom. They gave us concerned looks but couldn't ask anything as guests surrounded them to congratulate the newly wedded couple. The stormy rage across Syl's features scared me more. "Syl, what happened? Why are we leaving so soon?" Before I could get an answer, Ron interrupted us. With his face hardened with determination and urgency, he had a grip on his gun. "Boss, my men just confirmed it. Vincenzo is there. They got together in that old motel for some meeting." My eyes widened. Vincenzo? They found his location? Syl's lips curled into a sneer. "It shall be the last meeting of his life. Did you instruct our men to take their positions?" Ron nodded. "Yes. As soon as they confirmed Vincenzo's presence there, they took action. They spr
Turning around swiftly, we found the two men who passed us earlier standing behind us, along with the tall man in the middle. Their guns were pointed at us. And the eyes of the tall man were set on me. A cold smirk tugged at his lips. My heart stopped. They were here for…me?Vincenzo's men. A panic started to rise inside me. My heart started racing. I thought they were guests…That meant…they were waiting for the right moment to attack, hiding themselves among the guests. How did they know we were going to attend the wedding? "Give her to us and we will let you go. Don't make it hard," said the tall man in a calm tone. "Step away or the consequences will be bloody," Ron hissed, one of his arms shielding me. "Carter! Call for backup!" he shouted to one of the guards. But before Carter could take his phone out, one of the men beside the tall one tackled him on the ground. And instantly, Ron shot him on the shoulder. A muffled scream left me as they advanced Ron. Gunshots star