Aurelia's POVWe had been thrown into a van and they drove like possessed maniacs. I got that they had a deadline to meet but did they have to put our lives at risk? I was in a van with seven women, six were hysterical and the last was asleep. I resonated with the lady asleep, because there was nothing crying and wailing was going to do so she might as well sleep because she embarked on a life-changing experience.They arrived at their location, opened the door, and shoved us out. The air had changed around us, it was colder and it smelled salty, we were at the docks. My heart constricted, so this was how it was going to end, I would never see Judah and his family again. The place was empty, filth piled on the road as we trudged, the stench of rubbish churned my stomach. "Wait here I'll get our ship ready." Jase and Henry strode away. " You okay?" I faced Sam. I thought of a way I could shield her from the terrible life ahead. But could I even shield and protect myself?Sam nodded
Aurelia's POV" Stand down!" Judah commanded his men. They stood back and didn't engage."Good girl," Henry whispered against my ear. I shivered and flinched before his lips could touch my ear."Henry, you bastard. Get away from my wife or I will not hesitate to put a bullet in your head." " Capo, come on, you and I know you won't do that while, there's a gun pressing against your sweet wife's neck. One strange movement from you and her head is off." Henry boasted.Judah's gaze flickered from Henry's to mine. I could see the anger and worry in his eyes. "Gio." I mouthed. Judah's eyebrows furrowed, and I mouthed the name again.Judah signaled for Gio and he came forward. I gave him a slight nod which he understood and quickly explained to Judah in Italian."Hey, hey, what's going on? None of that Italian side talk. I want you off this ship now and for you to let us leave." Henry was pissed, his grip tightened around me and I winced slightly."Henry, I'm sure you know that's not possi
Judah's POVI couldn't hold in the laugh that came out of me, it was long dry, and bitter. I stalked towards her, putting force in each step "You want me to shout at you, huh? You want me to scream at you? You want me to insult you?" I smacked my lips. Aurelia stepped back until she fell on the bed."You want the truth from me? Can you handle the truth? Can you handle my anger?" She dragged herself up in the bed, moving till her back on the headboard. I got on the bed and advanced towards her on my knees.She shook her head, "No, I'm sorry. I don't want to know, I don't want to hear it. I'm sorry I asked and offended you." Her voice quivered." Well, it's a little bit too late for that. I'm going to tell you." I grabbed her by her legs and dragged her down, lying her on the bed. I placed myself over her, caging her in."Do you know how I felt when I was through the door and realized that you were nowhere in the house? Then Sabrina called and said you had been kidnapped, I almost ran
Aurelia's POVThe flight back home was fast and uneventful, we had a new air hostess, May, and she avoided Judah like a plague, she seemed terrified out of her mind. May was more interested in Sabrina, I watched their exchange before my meds kicked in, teasing touches, seductive smiles, and lustful looks moved between them. When I woke up, Sabrina was not in her seat, she came out of the bedroom looking disheveled and thoroughly ravished. We made eye contact and she winked at me. I looked away quickly but couldn't keep my smile off my face, I was happy for her."You had a great flight, didn't you?" I whispered in her ear as we strolled to our cars.Sabrina giggled, " You know it, it was so refreshing, it was honestly the best experience I had in New York." Her eyes were dazed as she reminisced. I pinched her lightly, " Did you get her number?" Sabrina moved back a little, tilted her head lightly, and gave me an incredulous look."Hello, did you forget who I am? Of course, I did, I
Aurelia's POV"Angelo is fine. Business is good and we're fine. I don't see any reason why he should be calling you." Hannah straightened her shoulder and stood tall, Corinna had a sarcastic smile on, she assessed Hannah from head to toe."Okay, that's good then." Her gaze fell on me and she observed me skeptically. Hannah followed her gaze."Corinna, this is my daughter-in-law Aurelia. Aurelia, this is Corinna." Corinna's sarcastic smile returned as she took me in, "I didn't know Judah was married, I thought I would receive an invitation." She shot Hannah a glare." Oh, it was a small wedding, we got married in Chicago where I'm from." I quickly diffused.Corinna's eyes returned to me, she settled them on my belly and smirked."Ah, I understand now. How far along are you dear?" She inquired." What! I'm sorry what do you mean by that?" What the hell was wrong with this woman?"I mean pregnant, how far along are you in your pregnancy? That's the only reason why a lady would have a s
Aurelia's POV"Silas? What a surprise, I didn't expect you to call me again." I ran my brush through my hair, contemplating the way I was going to style my hair." And why would you think that way, did I ever give off any vibe that I wasn't going to call," Silas stated. I paused, he hadn't done anything wrong except that he didn't contact me since the day of the auction." Not really but the last time we spoke was over a month ago, I just assumed that you had moved on." " Shit, I'm sorry I didn't call. Work has been hectic and I heard you traveled to New York, I didn't want to disturb you on your trip." He sounded apologetic." It's fine. It's good to hear from you again. How have you been?" I pulled my hair up, finally deciding on a ponytail."I'm fine. Aurelia, I don't want to be too forward but are you free on Saturday?" My eyes widened, " What! Saturday, erm, is there a problem?" " No, no, no problem at all. I just wanted to see you," The words rushed out of his mouth.My han
Judah's POV"Does the meeting have to be today?" I asked Dario as I came down from the car, he nodded and I cursed. Aurelia's tone had soured my mood, why did she act that way? Was she angry that I wasn't coming home?"The investors aren't here yet, I thought it would be better if we got here early than them so we'll appear competent when they come," Dario said, he folded his arms behind his back."Appear competent, we don't need to do that shit. We don't even need their fucking money but for everything to look legit, we have to use them." I wrinkled my nose and kissed my teeth.The doorman pushed the door open and we entered, the hostess checked us in and directed us to our table. As we passed, my eyes fell on a brunette, her side profile.was familiar and when she smiled, her dimple confirmed everything I needed to kn ow. I checked her partner and couldn't believe my eyes. Aurelia and Silas Delacruz, what the fuck! Why was my wife having lunch with that buffoon?"Aurelia, what the f
Aurelia's POVI holed myself up in my room, the car ride home had been silent and awkward, Gio had picked up on my bad mood and didn't say a word. He dropped me off and I raced up to my room. For the past two hours, I had been sitting on the floor with my back against the wall, I didn't bother to change my clothes, if I was going to die, I should at least die looking my best. God, what had I done? Judah was going to kill me, he won't spare my life. My mind flashed back to how his eyes burned when he saw me with Silas. Fudge, I should have never picked up his call. I should have just ignored him, at least I wouldn't have lied to him.Silas, shoot, I forgot about him, was he okay? Was he still alive? Gosh, did Judah hurt him? I hurriedly brought out my phone and sent him a text, he didn't reply my text and I couldn't settle myself. A rap came on the door, someone tried to open the door but it didn't bulge, " Aurelia, open this door right now!" Judah bellowed. I sank deeper into the
Aurelia's POV"Beloved, we are gathered here to celebrate the life of the deceased, On behalf of all family and friends, I would like to welcome everyone as we have gathered today to remember the deceased. Your presence here today is an affirmation of your love and support to the family. Thank you for being here. Although the family may not remember every word we share here today, they will remember your presence for the rest of their lives." I blocked out the pastor as he spoke focusing on the casket in front of me, I still couldn't believe that I was at this funeral. It seemed so surreal, I kept waiting for someone to say bring out the cameras, and yell ' surprise' because it was all a prank.Judah pulled me close and wrapped his arm around my shoulder gently, trying as much as possible not to touch my cast, I rested my head on his chest and wept. I felt someone's hand on my back, giving me a soothing rub, I raised my head and looked behind, and Diane gave me a small sad smile. She
Aurelia's POVLucia's eyes widened and she hurried to the door, as she was about to open it, the door slammed open with great force, hitting Lucia and sending her flying across the room."Aurelia, you bitch, what did you tell Judah when he called you? What clue did you fucking give him?" He grabbed me by my hair and dragged me towards the door.The sounds of gunshots echoed within the building, giving it a dramatic flair that I quite liked."I didn't say anything, you were there, weren't you? All I did was ask him to save me. Do you really think my husband is that dumb and he just lets me walk around without knowing where I am twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week? I have an inbuilt tracker, you can take me anywhere and he will find me." I was lying through my teeth, I had no idea where the tracker Judah put on me was but I hoped it wasn't built.Giovanni's nose flared and his skin reddened." He might have found you but that doesn't mean he's going to save you, I'm going to kill
Aurelia's POV" AURELIA!" Giovanni's deep tenor voice boomed, I heard him before he opened the door and charged at me. I scurried back and hit my back on the wall. Fuck, there was nowhere to run to."You bitch, you think you can deceive me?" He grabbed me by my neck, raising me and choking me. My hands were still bound so I couldn't claw his fingers away.Luckily, my legs were free, I kneeled him in the balls, he growled and dropped me. I landed on my arm with a loud thud and a crack. Pain surged through me from my arm to my brain."OH MY GOD, WHAT DID I DO TO YOU? YOU BROKE MY ARM." I cried, I couldn't even move my arm. "Good, I'll break something else. The necklace you gave me is fake, it wasn't a true emerald. Where is Trista's necklace, Aurelia?" I managed to act surprised, " it isn't the real one. Oh no, I don't know what happened to it. I've been wearing that necklace all my life, I can't believe it's fake. Maybe someone stole it from me."Giovanni growled, picked up a wooden
Aurelia's POVPanic clawed at my throat but I refused to give in to my fear, yes my father may have kidnapped his daughters, one who was heavily pregnant and was in labor but I wasn't going to let him see that I was scared.I looked around and couldn't see Lucia, that gave me a little relief, maybe they were finally going to allow her to give birth. I tipped my chin up and put on an expressionless face, " Father, this is a surprise. If you wanted a reunion you could have just come to my house, I wouldn't have kicked you out." Father grinned, pulling apart his lips to reveal his brown teeth from years of chewing tobacco. "Aurelia, you've really grown up, I see you now have a mouth on you, just like Lucia said." I stilled, ice flowed through my veins. What had Lucia had to do with this? When did Lucia tell him that? What the hell was going on?"Ah, I can see the confusion on your face. Don't worry too much, it will all be clear in a minute." He clapped his hands once, a door opened
Aurelia's POVMy fake necklace had arrived and it was beautiful, I could hardly differentiate it from the original. I had to send the original necklace to Sabrina's house so I wouldn't mix them up. I kept the fake necklace in the spot I kept the original in case Lucia tried to steal it again."So how's it going with Lucia?" Judah climbed into bed, wrapped his arms around my waist, and pulled me close to him, he wasn't aware of what had been going on with Lucia and I quickly brought him up to speed but kept the fake necklace part out."What! She's trying to steal from you? No way, she's got to go." His hand dropped from my waist, he jerked up and crossed his arms over his chest."Jude, baby, calm down, I'm taking care of it. I'm not kicking her out, she's pregnant, I won't do that to my niece or nephew."" No way, I don't give two fucks if she's pregnant, I don't want her in this house. This is my fucking house, I don't trust her and my gut tells me she's going to pull some stupid stun
Aurelia's POV"Erm, Aurelia, I don't know how to say this and I don't want you to take it the wrong way but I caught your sister trying to go into your room, two days ago when you and Mr. Bianco went out to have dinner with his mother." My glass of water froze halfway to my lips. For a minute, it was almost like I had shut down and needed a minute to reboot.Slowly I put the glass on the table and took in deep breaths then looked at Opal and Gina through my heavy eyelids.Opal was in front, Gina stood behind her, holding her hand tight and the other hand on her shoulder."I'm sorry, what did you say, Opal?" I pushed my laptop to the side and clasped my hands on the table."Well, two days ago when you guys were out having dinner, I suddenly remembered that I hadn't made Miss Aria's bed, and I forgot to take her dirty clothes to be washed so I went upstairs and I saw Lucia going to your room, at first I thought she had forgotten where her room was but that was impossible because it was
Aurelia's POVJust when I thought I had escaped my family and my life was finally in a good place, Bam, life hit me hard and reminded me that I couldn't have it all.Lucia sat opposite me, wide as a whale, tears flowing down her cheeks, I couldn't bring myself to stand up and sympathize with her. "Are you sure this is what you want to do? It's not too late to kick her out." Judah whispered, he held my hand and squeezed."I'm good, I want to hear her out and see what's wrong. She looks like she needs help right now." I whispered back, he pressed his lips together and glared at Lucia who was still bawling her eyes out."Lucia, that's enough. Why are you here?" I knew my tone was harsh but who could blame me, this was the person who drugged me, forced me to take her place as Judah's wife, and slept with my boyfriend.She reduced her loud wails to quiet sobs, " Aurelia, I'm so sorry but I had nowhere else to go. As you can already see, I'm pregnant for Owen, he broke up with me and said
Aurelia's POVI had barely slept in a week, everything I closed my eyes, I kept seeing myself holding my pen knife and driving it into the bodies of my kidnappers.Insomnia was my best friend now, fatigue was a familiar friend, and unproductivity was now my roommate. I couldn't do anything except to put on a bright smile for everyone. I didn't anyone to worry about me, I wanted to prove that I was strong and fearless but I wasn't. I was a big fraud and I needed help immediately but I was too much of a wuss to ask for it.It was 3 a.m. and I hadn't slept a wink, I tried to, I really did but immediately my eyes shut, Max's lifeless eyes stared into mine and I just jumped up instantly.Judah wasn't home, he had been gone for about 4 days so it was easier for me to fake it. I got out of bed, went downstairs, unlocked Judah's alcohol cabinet, and brought out a bottle of vodka. Not bothering to take a shot glass, I popped it open, sat on the couch, and started chugging it down my throat. T
Judah's POV"Where the hell could she be?" I slammed my hands on the steering wheel."Don't worry, we'll find her soon. She couldn't have gone too far. If she's not on the highway, she's probably still in the woods and we have men combing every corner of it. We will find her." Gavin's reassuring words did nothing for me because then it started to rain."Oh for fuck sake, I don't fucking need this right now!" I screamed to no one in particular." Reverse and let's go another lap, she can't have walked this far by now. She'll probably be at the back now." Dario looked at the window, " It's too far from the warehouse." He was right, I put the car in reverse, turned, and started driving back to where I started from, driving at a snail's pace."Hey! Hey! Someone's there! Look someone's beside the road!" Gavin slapped my arm and pointed at a crumpled body at the side of the road. I recognized the grey cargo parts immediately."Shit, that's Aurelia." I drove closer, hurriedly parked, and ru