“Or What Sweetheart?” His eyes gave away his dangerous nature.
“I’ll call the police,” she threatened, her voice wavering slightly as she realized that Erammno’s eyes, dark as a storm-tossed sea, held the promise of danger.
He smirked, his hand reaching to brush the stray strands of hair from her face. “Don’t play with fire, Celine.” His voice held a note of threat, like a thin layer of frost coating her skin. “What if I do?” Celine asked, her voice tinged with curiosity despite the ever-present threat of Erammno’s presence. “I will make you regret it,” he warned, his words like ice shards cutting through her resistance. Scared, Celine averted her gaze, pleading with him. “Please, leave.” “I will give you twenty-four hours to reconsider.” He concluded, heading to the door, “Goodnight Celine.” His voice faded as he walked out with his guards. Celine immediately locked her door, her heart racing in fear. She hadn’t even realized that she had been holding her breath all along. Celine's fingers trembled as she scrolled through the articles and pictures of Erammno Vitale, each click revealing a new facet of his mysterious persona. “Erammno Vitale, Las Vegas Biggest Billionaire Businessman…” she read aloud, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. She dropped her phone, the device clattering against the table, her mind spinning at the revelation that she had been visited by one of the most powerful and feared men in the city. “What does he want with me?” she whispered to herself, disbelief and fear tangling in her chest. As Celine pulled out of her apartment complex, the night sky stretching out like a black velvet blanket dotted with stars, she felt the weight of the world bearing down on her. Her phone buzzed with a message from Leo, another in a stream of hate-filled texts and threats from him and Penelope in response to her actions. With a trembling hand, she silenced her phone, the screen dimming to black as she closed off the outside world. The quiet hum of the engine filled the car, a subtle thrumming that matched the rhythm of her racing heart. As Celine parked her car, a smile lit up her face, the anticipation of seeing her father a balm to her weary soul. She made her way to the front door and knocked. A few moments later, the door swung open to reveal her father, his hair a shock of silver against the shadows of the night. “Cece!” he exclaimed, his voice a rich baritone that wrapped around her like a warm blanket. Celine melted into his embrace, her breath catching in her throat.“I have missed you, Dad.”
“You have no idea how much more I have missed you.” Aaron mumbled as he released her from his tight hug. “So how have you been? Since the whole marriage scandal?” Celine sighed.“I don't want to talk about it anymore,” Celine whispered, her voice edged with exhaustion. “It's been hard, Dad. I'm tired of people asking me about it.”
Aaron wrapped his arms around her once more, his embrace a soft comfort in the darkness. “Of course, my little Apple. We don't have to talk about it.” Celine smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude for her father's support. “I missed my old man,” she said, her voice turning playful. “But you know what I missed more?” “What?”“My bed. Goodnight father. We will talk in the morning” she placed a kiss on his cheeks as she climbed the stairs to her room.
The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon when Celine, wearing a simple tank top and shorts, stepped outside into her father's garden. She gently watered the vegetables, her mind lost in thought, when she noticed a sleek black car come to a halt in front of the house.
Approaching the car with cautious curiosity, she called out, “Hey there, how can I help you?” One of the passengers, a sharply dressed man, rolled down the window. “Are you Miss Celine Westfield?” he asked, his tone polite but professional.“Yes,”
“Come with us, ma'am,” the man said, his voice a cold whisper that sent a shiver down Celine's spine.
“Why? You want to kill me or something?” she quipped, her voice edging with defiance. But before she could finish her sentence, one of the men grabbed her from behind and hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. “Put me down!” Celine screamed, her legs flailing wildly. “Help! Somebody help!” Her cries were muffled as a hand clamped over her mouth, silencing her.“Miss, shut up,” the man snarled, his teeth bared in a feral grin.
“No, you shut up!” Celine retorted, biting down on his hand as he attempted to silence her with a piece of duct tape. “Damn!” he shouted, his anger rising as he slapped Celine hard across the face. She cried out in pain, her eyes watering as he used his body weight to pin her down. Her hands and legs were quickly bound, and the duct tape was forcefully applied to her mouth, effectively silencing her protests.The ride seemed to stretch on forever, the passing scenery a blur as the car hurtled through the streets. Finally, they arrived at a sprawling mansion, where Celine was quickly unceremoniously carried inside.
The men deposited her in a room, the door clicking shut behind them, locking her in. Celine’s heart pounded in her chest as she surveyed her prison, tears stinging her eyes. The slap had left her cheeks burning with pain, her body trembling with fear and anger. As Erammno entered the room, his presence casting a chilling shadow over Celine’s space, the pieces began to fall into place.“Celine,”
He called her name, his voice velvet soft, but she shrank away from his touch, fear spiking through her veins. He closed the distance between them, one hand on her chin, his fingers tracing the angry red imprint of the slap. His eyes darkened, a storm gathering behind their depths.“What do you want from me?” she asked, tears streaming down her face.
“My little proposal, Celine” he replied, his voice cold and hard. “Go to hell with your stupid proposal!” Celine spat. “You don't have a choice,” Erammno intoned, the warmth of the man she'd met in the bar replaced by a chilling resolve. Celine’s eyes narrowed in defiance. “And who do you think you are? Jesus? Or God?” she challenged.“Ermanno Vitale.” he simply answered.
“And I would make your life a living hell if you don’t agree to this, I will hunt your loved ones.” He threatened tears falling all over her face.“Give me some time to think this through.” He nodded to her words.
“You have two days, Celine. Don’t do anything stupid” he warned.
“My driver would take you home.” Without saying a word, Celine left with the driver.
Erammno's expression darkened, the silence thickening around him as he focused on the two men standing before him. “Which one of you idiots slapped my wife?” he demanded, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that sent a chill through the room.“Don't make me repeat myself,”
“It was me, sir,” the bald guard admitted, his voice trembling with fear.
“The instruction was not to harm a single strand of hair from her, right?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
The guard stammered, “Ye… Yes sir, I'm sorry she bit…”
His words were cut short by a deafening gunshot, his body crumpling to the ground like a discarded puppet.Glancing at the remaining guard with icy disdain. “Tsk. Y’all don’t even listen to Instructions.”
As Celine stuffed her belongings into a suitcase, her hands shook with nervous energy. “Dad, hurry up!” she urged, glancing anxiously at the door.“I'm trying, sweetheart,” her father replied, confusion and concern etched into his face. “But can you at least tell me why we're leaving Las Vegas?”
“Are you in trouble, Celine?” he persisted.
Celine gave him a pleading look. “Dad, please stop asking questions and pack. I'll explain everything later,” she begged, her voice breaking with desperation. As Celine and her father hastily packed their luggage and raced to the airport, the urgency of their escape mounting with each passing second, a man in the crowd silently observed. He pulled out his phone, a single call revealing his true purpose. “Boss,” he murmured into the receiver. “She's trying to flee the country with her father.”“Shut down all airports and bring her to me, immediately,” Erammno commanded, a dark chuckle escaping his lips.
As Celine waited anxiously at the check-in counter, the airport suddenly came alive with activity. The intercom crackled with an announcement:
“Due to unforeseen issues, the airport will be shutting down immediately.” “No, no, this is bad,” Celine mumbled, her heart sinking. Her father, sensing her distress, hurried to her side. “Celine, are you okay?” he asked, his eyes searching hers. As Celine's mind raced, her instincts kicking into overdrive, she caught sight of bulky men in suits approaching from every direction. Panic rose in her chest like a tide of acid. “I don't think so, Dad,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “We need to leave. Now.” Celine grabbed her father's hand, dragging him towards the nearest exit. But as they neared the doors, a wall of black-suited men appeared, forming a solid blockade.“Darn it!”
Celine's heart thundered in her chest as the suited men closed in, the atmosphere becoming tense and threatening. Aaron looked to her for answers, his voice edgy with concern."Celine, what's happening?" he whispered urgently, his grip on her hand tightening as their pursuers bore down on them.She shot him a glance, her own panic evident on her face. "I'll explain everything later, but right now we need to get out of here."But their escape route was blocked. They found themselves cornered, the men closing in around them.In a flurry of confusion and terror, Celine was lifted off the ground, her protests muffled as she was slung over the shoulder of one of the suited men. Aaron, seeing this, rushed towards them with a fury only love can inspire. But his attempts to save her were met with resistance, the other guards quickly overpowering him."If you harm her, I'll kill you!" he bellowed, his eyes burning with the intensity of his threat.One of the suited men, his expression unreada
Ermanno 's voice drifted through the air, smooth as silk and heavy with meaning. "You amaze me, Celine."Every glance, every word from his lips sent her nerves skittering, leaving her unsure and uneasy."Would you like something to drink?" he inquired, his tone polite, yet tinged with something more sinister."No, I'm fine," Celine replied."Let's get down to business," he declared, as one of his henchmen presented the contract to Celine.Ermanno continued, his voice like steel"That's the contract. Take your time and read it."Celine rolled her eyes, her resolve hardening. "Like I have a choice," she muttered under her breath, glancing over the contract with a sense of inevitability.Ermanno 's voice dripped with mock sweetness. "Suit yourself, sweetheart," he drawled.Celine's voice wavered as she spoke. "I don't understand. Why five years?" she pleaded, her desperation palpable. "I don't want to be married to you for that long."Ermanno 's lips curved into a cruel smile. "There's
“I am inviting the gang.”Fiona's words made Celine stop mid-bite, her fork hanging in the air. "Who and who?" Celine asked, raising an eyebrow at Fiona."Mason, Julia, and Malakia with his girlfriend," Fiona listed off, causing Celine to groan."Not Malakia and his girlfriend! You know that girl hates me," Celine protested."Come on, take a chill pill," she chuckled, planting a kiss on Celine's forehead.Celine smiled and gestured towards the pot with her spoon. "Rest assured, But right now, you'd better grab a spoon and join me before this soup gets cold," Dusk was fast approaching, and Fiona was well on her way to getting dressed for the night. Her form-fitting gown hugged her curves, revealing just the right amount of skin. The low neckline accentuated her cleavage, and the hemline grazed the top of her thighs, leaving little to the imagination. Her loose bun complemented the overall alluring look, making her the perfect picture of a seductress.Celine was still wrapped in a tow
Celine's eyes fluttered open, a pounding headache muddying her senses. She found herself in an unknown room, trying to recall the events that had transpired before the dark veil of unconsciousness had descended upon her. As fragments of the previous night's events slowly filtered back into her memory, she realized the gravity of the situation—she had been drugged, but saved by Ermanno, swinging in like a dark knight to her rescue.Celine’s disorientation was amplified by her growing uneasiness as she scanned her surroundings. She gingerly picked up the pill and the cryptic note that seemed to promise relief, Her trembling hands barely cooperating, she reluctantly took the pill and murmured to herself, "Where am I?"The question echoed eerily in the unknown room, sending a wave of panic through her body. Just then, a disembodied voice pierced through the silence, sending a chill down her spine.Ermanno's sudden appearance at the door sent a jolt of nervous energy through Celine's body.
Fiona's laughter rang through the air, the amused cackle bouncing off the walls of the room.Celine, perplexed by her friend's reaction, tilted her head to the side in confusion. "What's so funny?" she asked."You're kidding me, right?" Fiona responded, a disbelieving smile spreading across her face. "You have a new boyfriend? In the span of what, a few days?" She shook her head in amusement.Celine, her expression serious and unwavering, spoke with the assurance of truth. "I'm not kidding, Fi. This is for real," she insisted.Fiona, taken aback by this sudden revelation, responded with a mix of surprise and concern. "That's unexpected, girl. It's only been a few days since...well, you know," she trailed off, a sympathetic look washing over her features.Celine, slumping against her bed and giving in to her exhaustion, asked, "Why is it so surprising?" She fixed Fiona with a weary gaze.Fiona threw her hands up in exasperation, her brow furrowed with concern. "You moved on so fast! Tw
Celine whipped her head around, her heart racing, only to come face to face with a woman whose striking beauty was only matched by the sharpness of her gaze.Zelda's eyes narrowed into a cold glare, taking in Celine's appearance with a critical scrutiny that made her feel as though she were being dissected under a microscope. "Oh, you're here for Ermanno , are you?" Zelda sneered, the disdain in her voice obvious.Celine shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unsure of how to respond. "Yes, I am," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.Zelda scoffed, her expression a blend of smugness and malice. "Oh, are you one of those girls that he fucks and dumps?" she spat, her words like venom.Celine's spine stiffened, and she lifted her chin, refusing to let Zelda's words cow her. "Well, are you one of those girls?" she retorted, a flicker of defiance in her voice.Zelda's eyes flashed, the challenge in Celine's words only serving to fuel her anger. "I'm not just some fuck toy," she growl
As Ermanno approached , his gaze bore into her, his eyes, like twin emeralds, seeming to delve into the depths of her soul. Celine found herself transfixed, drawn in by his magnetism, even as a part of her resisted, her mind aware of the danger he posed.His eyes twinkled with amusement at her retort, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Is that a challenge, sweetheart?" he countered, a hint of challenge in his voice.Celine, determined to remain unshaken, raised her chin."I doubt," Celine replied, her voice holding a hint of challenge, as if daring Ermanno to prove her wrong. The dress, a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, seemed to breathe life into her form, the vibrant crimson bringing her beauty to the forefront, accentuating her natural curves and highlighting the porcelain perfection of her skin.The dress flowed around her with effortless grace, as if it were a living extension of her movements, making Celine seem almost otherworldly, like an enchantress
Aaron Westfield, Celine's father, conveyed his reproach through the phone. "It's a bit rude to discover my daughter is seeing such an influential man through the internet," he said, his voice laced with concern.Celine, despite the gravity of the situation, managed a nervous chuckle in response. "I'm sorry about that," she said, her voice betraying the mounting tension she felt as she continued to scroll through the barrage of online articles and posts about her dinner date with Ermanno."I've missed you, Celine. Come home today," Aaron said, his voice tinged with longing."Sure thing, Dad. I'll talk to you later," Celine replied, her tone measured and polite. As she ended the call, her thoughts turned to the complicated relationship with her father, one that was marked by both love and tension.Celine's eyes fell on a blog post that sent her heart racing. "Unknown woman spotted with Ermanno Vitale on a date," she read aloud with growing indignation."Unknown? It's Celine, you idiots,
Celine’s PovTwo months into our honeymoon, I still woke up every morning thinking I was dreaming. Travelling from one amazing location to another wrapped in Ermanno's love and possessiveness, it had been nothing less than delight. Whether it was kissing me in bed or dragging me into quiet nooks to whisper sinful things in my ear, he spoilt me nonstop. Breakfast in bed But most of all, I loved his attitude towards me, as if I were the only thing that counted in his life. Tonight was our special dinner, just the two of us away from security's view and free from distractions.I wanted to make it special, to remind him that my desire for him had only gotten stronger after two months, and to tease him. I walked in front of the mirror and rubbed my hands over the deep-red silk dress I had selected. The fabric was so smooth that it felt like a second skin, hugging my curves until it stopped just above my knees. It was his favourite, and I knew it. I had a wicked thought. I grinned to myse
Zelda’s POVThe hotel was exquisite,a place where the wealthy whispered about power over glasses of aged whiskey. But I wasn’t here for luxury. I had walked through its pristine halls with a single purpose. Every step I took echoed my resolve. When the elevator doors slid open, I kindly stepped into the private hallway leading to the penthouse suite.Two guards stood outside,their expressions unreadable. They didn’t quite question me, didn’t even flinch. They knew who I was. Or rather, who I was about to become. One of them quickly reached for the door handle,,pulling it open for me. As I stepped In gracefully,I caught the scent of something sterile beneath the rich fragrance of fresh lilies.The suite was massive, marble floors, crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the city beautiful skyline. But I barely noticed. My eyes sparkled as they landed on the two persons patiently waiting for me. Marco was very much relaxed on the couch,a full glass of whi
Ermanno’s POVThe first thing I noticed was her breathing, ragged, uneven,too fast. Celine lay beside me, her body rigid, her fingers clenching the sheets in a death grip.Her face is twisted in discomfort, a fine sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead despite the cool morning air drifting through the open balcony door. She is clearly having A nightmare. I immediately pushed myself up onto one elbow, watching her,my chest tightening at the sight of her in distress. I had seen her in many states, laughing, teasing, moaning my name, but never like this. I calmly brushed a strand of damp hair away from her pretty face and leaned closer. “Princess,” I whispered, my voice soft yet firm. I didn’t want to startle her, but i can’t let her be in distress much longer.Her lashes fluttered, but she did not wake up.I placed my cold palm gently on her cheeks.“wake up, Love. You’re safe.” A sharp hasty breath tore from her lips,and her eyes snapped open. Wide, panicked. For a second,s
Zelda’s POVThe scent of fucking damp stone and cigarette smoke lingered in the narrow alleyway,curling into my lungs as I steadied my breath. The moment I turned the corner,a very very rough hand grabbed my wrist, yanking me backward with enough force to make me stumble. “What the fuck!”My back hit the fucking brick wall, the cold surface pressing against my exposed skin.."Are you out of your fucking goddamn mind?" Marco hissed,his voice sharp but quiet enough to avoid drawing attention. His dark eyes burned into mine,his grip tight around my wrist,firm, commanding, but not painful.I met his icy dripping glare with an impassive look,tilting my head slightly. "Relax, Marco. It was just an accident."His scoff was laced with irritation. "An accident? So Out of all the people in this city, you just happened to bump into her? Who are you kidding, love?"I smiled slightly lazily. "Hmmmmmm… Maybe just maybe fate wanted me to see her, you know?"His jaw clenched, he looks hot when angry
Celine’s POV:“It’s so beautiful out here,” I mumbled, my eyes raised to meet his. Ermanno held my gaze just as softly as he held my hands.“But not as beautiful as you,” he grinned. I rolled my eyes. This man…“I love taking pretty little walks with you, princess,” He blurted out as I took in the scene.. Some people were selling street food, while others strolled by hand-in-hand, lovers, friends, families, adults, and children, it really, really amazes me.I leaned in and tiptoed as I placed a gentle kiss on his lips, but Ermanno pulled me in for a deeper kiss. Our tongues and lips played sinful games with one another. Placing my hand gently on hischest, I pulled away from the kiss, trapped in his Hunter eyes.“Fuck! I can’t seem to get enough of you.” he chuckled.I shyly blushed, glancing around,and noticed a woman selling flowers at her little stand just across the street on the other sidewalk.“Wait here, hun,” I said and rushed off before he could say anything. Just as I appr
Celine’s POV The crowd's frenzied energy intensified as our helicopter touched down at the airport, their excitement palpable as they caught sight of us. The security team struggled to keep the enthusiastic throng at bay, but it seemed like a losing battle. "I'm sure pictures of this are already circulating online," I mused, as I stood before the private jet, emblazoned with my name and signature. Ermanno's smile was affectionate as he gazed upon me, his pride evident. "That's yours, sweetheart," Ermanno murmured, wrapping his arms around me from behind. Confused, I turned to him, my expression a mix of surprise and incredulity. "Wait, really? That's my private jet?" "All yours," he confirmed with a grin. "I wanted to get you something special for our honeymoon, and what better way than your own private jet?" I was rendered speechless, the magnitude of his gift overwhelming me. "Really?" I repeated, still struggling to comprehend his extravagant gesture. "Yes, baby,"
Celine’s POVThey say nothing can prepare you for marriage. But I'll tell you what no one mentions: the sheer amount of sex.As I lie here, basking in the afterglow of the best night of my life, I have to wonder, "Can my body handle this? Can it take much more?" But despite the lingering exhaustion, I can't deny the happiness I feel.What could possibly go wrong? What could happen at this moment that could destroy the perfect life I've created for myself?"Good morning, my beautiful wife," a soft voice cooed from above.My eyes fluttered open, meeting the charming blue gaze of Ermanno. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I basked in the feeling of his gaze upon me."So this is love?" I mused silently, savoring the feeling."Hey," I managed to croak, my voice hoarse from thirst. Ermanno, always perceptive, noticed and quickly handed me a cup of water.As I downed the water in one gulp, Ermanno helped me sit up, his strong arms supporting my back. I savored the feeling of his to
Zelda’s PovIt wasn't me who was the problem. It was her, Celine Westfield, now Celine Vitale. She was the one who had captured his heart, keeping it for herself, leaving no room for me.She was the reason I lay here, my life slipping away in a pool of blood, while he stood there, shocked and helpless. And in my final moments, I realized that she was the reason why Ermanno had never chosen me.All that drama and heartbreak lay in the past now. After being rushed to the hospital and declared dead, I thought my journey on Earth was over. But fate had other plans. That night, a mixture of tears, prayers, and sheer determination brought me back from the brink.Though I lay in a coma for some time, clinging to life, my mother's love and faith proved to be the life force that sustained me. I was alive, but only just, and the long road to recovery had only just begun.For an entire year, I lingered in that coma, caught between life and death. And when I awoke, the world was a d
Zelda’s POV Mrs. Vitale...Celine Vitale. The words were strange and unfamiliar on my tongue. Trust me, I am happy for her. As I watched her walk towards the altar, her dress shimmering like moonlight on a lake, a peaceful smile graced my lips. She looked perfect, like a vision straight out of a fairytale, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my dear friend. And oh Gosh! Their vows, it was heart warming, touchy, full of love and adoration. Don’t ask me how I got into their wedding, uninvited. But I mean, I am an old friend of theirs so I guess I have all the rights to be present. Looking down at the flash drive in my hand, I couldn't help but think that this would make the perfect wedding gift for them. After all, what better way to celebrate the union of Mr. Manipulator and Mrs. Damsel in Distress than with a little "gift" from their past? They deserved it, if you ask me. I dialed a number, a number that would soon change everything. The voice on the other end wa