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Chapter Twenty
Last Updated:
2024-10-18 21:56:35
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APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty One
ZaraA week has passed after the incident that night but Marcello has not called even once. No surprise there.Within the last week, the girls and I met once for dinner and I had informed them about my decision to get married to Marcello. I left out the fact that it is a contract marriage; I just didn’t know how they would take the information. Their reactions were priceless and even now, it is clear as day in my head.Valerie had stood comically, mouth agape and Emily, still in shock reached out to pinch her mouth closed. Laughter bubbles in my throat at the reminder. Then I told them about the events that went down after the dinner. That didn’t go down as well as the previous information. Although she did not overreact, I could see the silent storm brewing in Emily’s eyes. One thing about Em is that she is ever the calm girl but when she gets upset about something, she is capable of setting a forest on fire.She had calmly held my hand and looked into my eyes with all seriousness
Last Updated : 2024-10-23APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Two
Zara Within the next hour, I walk into the premises of Paradise Group. I figured a phone call would not adequately portray the range of emotions I am currently feeling, so a physical confrontation is the best bet; for someone as thickheaded as Marcello , that is. I do not bother going to the reception, I move straight to the elevators and step in. The entire ride to the last floor, I picture different scenarios that would be most befitting to channel my anger. Maybe I should knee him in the balls…Nah, he would probably dodge that without much stress. Stupid ,annoying, athletic body. Or…Maybe I should act out a scene from a movie like those crazy protagonists; Push my way through his office, step on his work desk and give him a piece of my mind while wagging my finger in his face. The middle finger preferably… I catch myself from envisioning further torture tactics. He definitely brings out the worst in me. ... Makes me question how on earth I am going to survive four yea
Last Updated : 2024-10-23APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Three
“ You did what?”My head buzzes with the new information. I move forward on the edge of my seat, more anxious than anything else. “ What did you tell them?”“ I still have your resumé remember? You’ve met my family, I thought it’s only fair that I meet yours as well.”“ Yeah, after you told me that they weren’t my family and not to bother getting friendly with them. What the hell is wrong with you?”He merely shrugs. Shrugs, I tell you!I can’t seem to find my bearings at the moment. A lot is going through my mind. Did he tell them about the pregnancy? I turn to him in alarm“ You didn’t tell them about the pregnancy…right?”His silence confirms my fear. Blood rushes like torrents inside my head, muting the sounds around me. I stand up on shaky legs. “ This whole thing....the contract …let’s call it off. I can’t deal with this. Clearly, you have no idea what a partner is; fake or real.”I move with guarded steps towards the entrance and he makes no move to follow me; not that I want
Last Updated : 2024-10-24APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Four
ZaraThe doctor said I could go home today. Since I regained consciousness, I have spent an extra day here and this hospital room is beginning to suffocate me. I haven’t seen Marcello since I woke up, although my mom swears by him. A good man, my foot.I could tell my dad was not excited about the whole thing but he managed to keep things civil for me and mom’s sake. The girls also came by yesterday. I called to inform them and they were here within the hour. I hit the jackpot with those ones.Marcello’s family came by a few times. Maria came beating all kinds of food; I struggled to even eat some of them. Morning sickness is the devil. His father was especially worried, since he was there when the whole thing went down. He even promised to knock Marcello down a peg, which in my opinion, was the best thing I heard during my stay here.My bag is packed and ready to go, courtesy of my mom and Maria. Both women have been fussing over me like mother hens. Fortunately, they hit it off righ
Last Updated : 2024-11-04APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Five
ZaraAfter my discharge from the hospital, wedding preparations began in earnest. Dad and mum stayed back in New York on the insistence of Maria and Mr. Hernandez. For the past two weeks, I have been home, thanks to the leave my boss graciously offered me. At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to spend all those weeks but now, I’m thankful that he was thoughtful enough to bring it up.My days are spent going through wedding catalogues after the other, with both mothers breathing down my neck for wanting a small wedding. I thought I could try convincing them once again to see from my perspective — I am already showing and I do not want to attract even more attention by inviting a crowd.Of course, it fell on deaf ears. The only person who seemed to see through my lens was dad. Mr. Hernandez also assured me that he understood my concern but the Andres family was a big family in the business world; a small wedding was simply unacceptable.It is one week to the dreaded event, after whic
Last Updated : 2024-11-05APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Six
Zara I woke up at five today. Last night’s sleep was fitful; I was too anxious to sleep. I tossed and turned before I managed to get some shut eye at about 2:00am. Two hours of sleep. I tried to force myself to go back to bed but all efforts proved abortive. So, I came down to the kitchen to get a glass of warm milk. I haven’t had caffeine in awhile and the sight of the coffee machine almost has me drooling. No, Zara ,think of your baby. I take a seat on one of the stools around the kitchen island. The last time I was here at Marcello’s parents, I didn’t have a good look at other places except the dinning and living rooms. The kitchen is made with neutral colors of black, white and grey. The most fascinating part of it all is the sink. It’s not your conventional sink, which comes in basin form. This one is made of black granite and bears the same structure with the entire island, save for the drainage at the corner. Money sure can do a lot. Someday, I would love to have a ki
Last Updated : 2024-11-05APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Seven
ZaraThe makeup artist and hairdresser arrived at a few minutes to eleven a.m. I was already showered and waiting. My hair and makeup took almost two hours and my bum is sore from sitting in one position for such a long time. My hair has been gathered into an elegant updo ; a coiffure I believe with millions of pins holding it together. The makeup artist worked her magic and my once dull complexion is glowing — smokey eyes and nude lips. I look regal.My dress is made with cord lace. It has a sweetheart neckline that pushes that holds my breasts elegantly. I thought the lack of sleeves would make the dress too slutty but that is not the case. The waist cinches and flows to my feet in a combination of lace and tulle. I look…beautiful.A knock sounds on the door and mom and dad walk in. Mom immediately tears up at the entrance and walks to me with outstretched arms. “ You look so beautiful, honey. I’m so proud of you.”“ Thanks mom”
Last Updated : 2024-11-06APHRODISIA Chapter Twenty Eight
ZaraThe girls managed to drag me out of my self-sabotaging mission. The plan was to sit there and make the day as uneventful as possible; that way, I’ll forget about it in no time. It was time for the couple first dance and I was sat there , deliberating on whether or not to do it. Marcello had shot endless lasers at me from his eyes but I refused to budge. Thankfully, Valerie and Emily started chanting “Zara! Zara! Zara!” and soon, everyone else joined in. With the spotlight now turned from networking to me, I had no choice but to give in. Marcello plastered a wide, albeit fake smile on his face and started dancing towards me. I had to hold in my gag at the sight. What a pretentious jerk.I reciprocated with an equally wide smile of my own and glided towards him, as gracefully as my dress would let me. We danced to Beyonce and Ed Sheeran’s classic. Once he held me in his embrace, one hand placed firmly on the small of my back, I found myself melting into his touch. He led the danc
Last Updated : 2024-11-10
Latest chapter
APHRODISIA Chapter Sixty
MARCELLO’S POV I thought I would catch up on a bit of work before I have to go to the office but the thought of Zara keeps filtering through my mind. Acquiring a company seems like roses and extra profit on the surface, but so much work has to go in to make sure everything works without any hitch. So far, I have done some major balancing on the accounts through the merger. I know that the company employs only competent hands but I cannot afford to have mistake. Those are expensive and that’s why I have been working myself to weariness. She is fast asleep and has been for hours now but I can’t seem to catch a wink of sleep. She acts like she hates my guts most of the time but her actions tonight were on the contrary. Going as far as cooking meal when she can hardly stand on her own was what got to me the most. And that little peck on my lips earlier? Goddammit! I’m acting like a hormonal teenager. I have tasted every inch of the woman’s body but it’s that little kiss that has me ac
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty nine
Zara’s POV I open my eyes to a silent room. The lights in here are dim and the atmosphere of the room feels cozy. I must have fallen asleep from exhaustion. Marcello wasn’t exactly gentle with me; not that I’m complaining. I heard him leave some minutes back, and that’s after he made sure to wipe me off with a wet rag. That was embarrassing as hell but it felt…nice.Sitting up, I scan the room in search of my clothes and find them folded neatly on one corner of the bed. I pick up my sore body and get dressed. I choose not to dwell on what transpired earlier in this place. The last few times were filled with me questioning my decision but this time, I’m just going to let it be. I can’t claim any innocence on this matter; after all , I reciprocated just as much as I was given. And I’m definitely not going to overthink the onslaught of emotions I felt today either. If I ignore it, maybe, just maybe , it’ll go away. I walk the hallway quietly as if there are other people on this floor
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty eight
Zara’s POV Thankfully, the whole tabloid thing dies off in days. The company has been doing well , judging by how much Marcello has been cooped up in the office. And when he comes home, he barely sleeps, throwing himself into more work. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit worried for his health. He’s riding the wave of the recent increase in revenue that he’s neglecting himself. What the man does may not be my business but he has done his best to make sure that I do not want for anything during my pregnancy journey. So, I’m going to try to re turn the favour. I ask Mr. Phillip to stop by the local mart, so I can pick up a few things I may need. Last time, he cooked me a Mexican rice dish that I very well remember the taste of but can’t for the life of me, seem to remember it’s name. I just remember that it was rich in protein and veggies. So, I stock my cart with a healthy serving of beef and every other vegetable that looks good. On my way to the counter to check out the items I picked,
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty seven
Zara’s POV I wake up with a start, to the insistent blaring of my alarm. My eyes are still heavy , even thou I probably slept for ten whole hours. Sunlight streams through the curtains, casting a golden halo over my face. I sit up, hands outstretched above my head. My body feels heavy, largely owing to the increasing size of my belly. At six months, it feels like I have been pregnant forever and not to sound conceited or anything but I wish the babies could give me space to breathe; maybe come out already.My attention is drawn to my phone buzzing consistently on the pillow beside me. I must have fallen asleep while texting the girls last night. Something about the constant vibrations makes me anxious. I watch dazed for a moment as the notification bar moves with more messages. Sluggishly, I reach for the phone, my movements slowed by my still booting brain. Over 500 notifications on my social media and a few messages from the group chat with the girls. Emily’s message is the fir
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty Six
Zara’s POV Mama doesn’t let us leave immediately, insisting that we stay for dinner. Hence, me hiding out in Carlotta’s room. Left for me, I would take a cab home , so I don’t have to face my ugly impulsive decisions . I know I have said this before but let me reiterate; Marcello is cancerous. One minute I was bawling my eyes out in Maria’s arms and the next, I let go of my morals in Marcello’s. This stupid, stupid pregnancy hormones. Carlotta is downstairs helping out with dinner and Marcello is well…being Marcello somewhere around the house. I hope he stays busy until we have to leave . If I face him now, I might simply die of mortification . I offered to help out also but Mama chased me out with a spatula. At a few minutes past 6 pm , Carlotta pops in to let me know that dinner’s ready. When I get to the dinning room, I see Mr. Hernandez already seated, reading a newspaper with his glasses perched atop his nose. He puts down the paper when he sights me and beams “ Mi Queri
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty five
Marcello's POV True to her words , Zara stormed out of the house with a duffel bag. I could only watch, stunned, as she walked past me with every determination in her. It was only after a few minutes, that I came to terms with what just happened. Thankfully, she had Uncle Phillip drive her. One less thing to worry about…I immediately thought of calling Mama to inform her that a very angry, pregnant woman was headed her way. Mama laughed when I explained the entire ordeal to her and then proceeded to scold me for letting my pregnant and very emotional wife out of my sight, without running after her to pacify her. She promised to take care of her and threatened that if I didn’t drag my behind home within the next hour, she would personally make sure that Zara die snot return home. I really cannot understand women . Hence, I am en route the family home and I didn’t forget to buy a lot of gifts to pacify Her Royal Majesty. I have heard men say things like ‘ happy wife, happy home’ b
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty four
Zara’s POV One thing I didn’t expect that accompanied my recent bouts of morning sickness ,is the heightened appetite. Not just the appetite to eat good food, I have the most insane cravings these days; especially spicy food. Desi, Thai, Korean, Chinese , Japanese, you name them. And Marcello, bless his heart, has been a sweetheart, offering to buy me whatever I crave. Pretty sure the man has visited all the indigenous food places in New York in the span of one week but I am eating for three, so…This past week, I have gotten used to his tendency to call me random endearing names. At first, thinking about it gave me a major migraine but I’ve decided to just go along with the flow. Just as long as he keeps buying me spicy buffalo wings…I woke up this morning craving egg tarts and Julio has been MIA for a while now, only coming in one day out of five. Not gonna lie, I’m a bit worried about his absence but I’m not one to pry.It's Saturday and I know that Celine will be ordering a tot
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty Three
ZaraDr. Meyers beams immediately she sees me and offers me a seat. “ Zara! I wasn’t expecting you today but it’s so good to see you” She looks at the Stony- gazed man beside me , “ you came with your husband too. This is great.”Marcello offers her a handshake in his usual professional manner and she accepts it. “ Marcello Andres” “ Sharon Meyers. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Andres.”“ Likewise”“ So, what brings you here today?”“ I woke up today with a really bad case of morning sickness. I’m worried because I no longer had that but I woke up today feeling like my stomach was twisting itself from the inside. Dr. Meyers hums in contemplation. “ Most women go through morning sickness until the end of the third trimester, so I wouldn’t be worried about that. However, what worries me is the pain you’re feeling . That’s not normal, especially at this stage. You’re nearing the end of the your second trimester and this is a critical time.”My heart thrums rapidly at her w
APHRODISIA Chapter Fifty Two
ZaraSomething smells awful. It’s a familiar smell but it something smells repulsive today. I rollover on to my right to ward off the smell but it seems to be me everywhere. My belly folds over life a turbulent tide on a beach, recoiling and rumbling in disagreement to the smell assaulting my senses. I feel the wave within trying to force itself out of my throat but I force it down, taking deep breaths. Only, that was a big mistake on my part. I jump out of the bed with a sense of urgency, almost tripping on the sheets wrapped around my ankles. The moment I kneel before the toilet, a torrent of vomit comes hurling out of my throat. Remnants of the rice Marcello made for dinner last night. My stomach twists uncomfortably with each bout of retching and it actually feels like my intestines are eating me from the inside out. I may have experienced bad morning sickness the first few weeks but they had ceased for a while. I guess I was wrong to be relaxed. I flush the toilet and rinse
