LUCIANOI watched as Eloise stood up and walked towards the window, biting her trembling lips. "What did my father ever do to deserve that? He was a nice man. He gave out scholarship and gave most of his property to charity. Why... Just why exactly would someone want to kill him?""Hey.. hey Eloise. Look it's not certain yet but your father would be pleased if his killers are punished. And I promise you I would do everything within my means to make that happen "Eloise turned back to face me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, the weight of everything crashing down on her at once. I could see the fury beginning to brew behind her sorrow, and for the first time, I was afraid of what might happen next.“I don’t know who to trust anymore,” she whispered, her voice breaking. I moved to stand beside her, but she held up a hand, stopping me. "You can't fix this. Not this time. Not even you."Her words stung like a slap, but I couldn't deny the truth in them. My heart ached as I watch
LUCIANOWith a rare smile on his wide, passionate mouth, and a laden gift box clutched below one powerful arm, I stepped into the lift in Eloise's apartment block. Although I hated surprises, but I knew that she loved them, and I couldn’t wait to see her face when she realised that he was back italy thirty-six hours sooner than he had said. Trust me I worked impossibly long hours to manage that feat.During the few days I spent abroad, I had spent an entire evening shopping and gosh! I hated shopping.Honestly, I had enjoyed the toy stores, though, I wasn't sure I would get almost seven years kids. The shop attendant suggested LEGO or magna tiles. I also added monopoly Scrabbles . I got colouring sets and drawing paper for Kiara, that's what she loved and for Nicole, I got PS5..I know Eloise is going to shout at me for that but... What kind I do? I've got to please the little boy. I just got a laptop for Gianna, that girl should be a detective. I conceded, wishing that El
ELOISEI crossed my arms, my voice sharper than I intended. “I don’t like how I feel about this. When did you two… start, uh—dating? Or fucking?”Laura’s scoff was instant, her eyes narrowing. “Wow. So what? You think Alex can’t love me? Or that he’s too good for me?” Her voice cracked on the last word, a waver betraying how close she was to crying.She blinked rapidly , her lips trembling. I wasn’t angry, I was just confused. I never imagined them together. Alex, who once rolled his eyes at everything Laura said. Laura, who used to call him a “walking red flag.” Now here they were, all soft smiles and intertwined fingers like a cheesy rom-com come to life.Alex wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his chest. She let him. I let out a humorless laugh, biting the inside of my cheek.“Eloise,” he said gently, like someone trying to reason with a feral cat. “We’re adults. This isn’t something you need to freak out about. She’s your friend.”“And so are you, Alex!” I snapped. “Don’t
ELOISE"He is really cute so I asked him to be my boyfriend "" You chose him just because he's cute?" " Yes mommy, isn't that why you married Daddy?""Well..." I paused, she really caught off guard, "that was part of the reason."My little girl giggled, swinging her leg happily, as she talked to Nicole "See! Then it's okay if I pick someone cute too."I raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile. "Sweetheart, being cute is nice, but what really matters is how someone treats you. Does he make you laugh? Is he kind to you?"Giana nodded seriously. "He gave me the red crayon when he saw I wanted it. And he shared his pudding at lunch.""Wow," I said with a mock gasp, leaning in. "Sharing pudding? That’s true love right there."The little girl beamed. "I know, right? We're getting married at recess tomorrow."Her mom burst out laughing. "Well, I better start planning the wedding, huh?""Yes, but no kissing. That’s gross.""Deal," I said, ruffling her hair, and still grinning at how quickly
LUCIANO"But why?" Eloise asked I mounted the stairs to join her on the landing. Without hesitation, I closed light hands to her shoulders and turned her away from the direction in which she had been about to head. "Our bedroom is this way" I said. "It’s been a really, really lovely day… luci. "As Alex's shocking relationship swam back into my memory like a giant man-eating shark, I was silenced. Thankfully not like I ever doubted her, Eloise doesn't have a thing at all for Alex. I guess I can be less insecure about that her one friend I couldn't get rid of. ‘The very best…"I agreed, with remarkable restraint. " I spent so much time getting you guys gift. I honestly hope it's loved"With careful hands I turned her back to face me and then bent down and swept her up into my arms."What on earth are you doing? Everyone's watching" Eloise gasped.‘I like the fact you’re mine and you need to relax Eloise, we are legally married now. " I shared, striding down the corridor and shoul
ELOISELaura's birthday party started later than I'd anticipated. They should have started without our presence but for no reason they waited in the sitting room untill I walked back in with Luciano my hair looking all messed up.There was barely enough time for me to shower and pick out my outfits and since I don't want to dress like the main character on her day, I really needed extra time to pick an outfit.I ended up choosing a short red dress and for God's sake Luciano still stared at me like I stole the show. "Why don't we go to a double date tonight? I've always wanted to do that with Eloise but she's always the one with boyfriends""I came down here because this party is also for me. I'd have driven you out of not" Luciano rolled his eyes. I've still not understood why this two siblings are always on each others neck but when I had my accident and needed help, they walked perfectly together. "Honey, it's your sister's birthday. Besides I also want a double date with her boy
ELOISEI couldn't contain my shock, I walked back to the sit .“Sorry, but that seat’s taken,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. “i just stepped out.”She didn’t blink. , no shift in posture, she just sat there like she hadn't heard a word I say I subtly caught Laura’s gaze and gave her a sharp nod. Her hand slipped into her purse, fingers curling around her phone. I needed her to call 911 while I keep Claire with me.I leaned forward. “You’re not going to stand?”She didn’t move.“There are other places to stick your ass, lady. This isn’t your husband’s bar.” her tone sharpened, slicing through the air between us.I tilted her head slightly, “Well, it is,” she said slowly. “Get up by the way, you look familiar.”“Do I know you?” she asked, her face still hidden beneath her hood and a curtain of hair.I squinted. “Ain’t you the trash lady? You took my trash one time.”“Excuse me?” Her voice dropped a register.“I’m sure it’s you. I don’t forget faces.”Her lips curled. “I do
LUCIANOThe news anchor’s voice crackled from the flat screened television in the corner of the room. "Mrs. Claire, who has been wanted for the past several months, was finally apprehended yesterday. Authorities confirmed she is the prime suspect in the murder of her mother-in-law..."I clicked off the TV and turned to Eloise. She lay sprawled across our queen-sized bed, one arm flung over her face like she was shielding herself from my gaze. I folded my arms. “Are you happy now, Eloise?”She peeked at me from beneath her forearm, her lips twitching into a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, honey. I wasn’t thinking. It’s not like I planned it, who knew the country’s most sought-after murderer would walk into the restaurant like that?”I stared at her, my jaw clenched. “And who knew the most wanted murderer could’ve stabbed you in the throat while you were trying to be nice? You can’t keep throwing yourself into danger just because your heart’s made of gold. People aren’t always worth
Eva’s POVI woke up to the annoying sound of my alarm clock. I sluggishly slammed it off with my palm and continued with my sleep. About a few minutes later, I jumped off my bed like someone that had a terrible nightmare.“It’s 7:30 am already? Fuck!!!” I cussed out and rushed to the bathroom. Brushing my teeth and rushing through my bath, I dressed in a normal work corporate T-shirt, a jacket, and a pair of plain trousers, and then picked a handbag and shoes that suited perfectly with the color of my dress. I had her breakfast of sandwich and went to the sitting room to grab my car keys.“Hey Dad, good morning. I’m off to work, sir,” I greeted Chairman Huxley, my father. I was already used to calling him ‘sir’ since we work in the same place and he is the boss. Chairman Huxley was still sitting on the same couch as of the previous night. He stared at me for a while before ordering me to sit down on the couch opposite him.“I told you that you have a date today, didn’t I?” His hands g
DamienI stood there, staring at Eva like she’d just slapped me. My mind struggled to catch up with her words, the bitter taste of rejection already curdling on my tongue.She said no.Those words she was saying were her only way if rejecting my proposal. I clenched my fists under the table, forcing myself not to flip the damn thing over. My jaw ached from how tightly I was grinding my teeth, and I had to remind myself that losing control here, in public, would only give the paparazzi a field day.What the hell just happened?Without a word, I shoved back my chair and stormed out of the restaurant. The night air hit my face like a splash of ice water, but it did nothing to calm the fire burning in my chest. I needed a drink.A bar sat just around the corner.I slid into a booth and ordered the strongest thing on the menu. The burn of whiskey down my throat matched the sting in my pride.“She rejected me,” I muttered under my breath, swirling the amber liquid in the glass. “Who the he
Eva Amidst fury and anger boiling inside of me, I walked out of my car towards the Handro Group's hotel with so much calmness that you could mistake the day as my happiest.I entered the Sandro's big luxurious restaurant and looked around in search of my blind date. I picked up my phone from my black leather handbag and dialed the last number my father sent to me. “Over here”, A man signaled with his hands. I went towards the direction of his hand. I was nervous. No that’s not the word to explain how I am feeling right now. I was rather annoyed. Caressing my bumps , I assured myself the hundredth time . It must end up like the others .“Hello” I greeted and reluctantly sat on the chair opposite his . He was my third blind date I'm a row. Father wouldn't give me a breathing space about giving him an heir.“I think I might like you” he said with a big smile. ”Eva right?” he snaps his finger, still smiling. His arrogant attitude was already driving me crazy . If only he knew who he w
LUCIANOThe news anchor’s voice crackled from the flat screened television in the corner of the room. "Mrs. Claire, who has been wanted for the past several months, was finally apprehended yesterday. Authorities confirmed she is the prime suspect in the murder of her mother-in-law..."I clicked off the TV and turned to Eloise. She lay sprawled across our queen-sized bed, one arm flung over her face like she was shielding herself from my gaze. I folded my arms. “Are you happy now, Eloise?”She peeked at me from beneath her forearm, her lips twitching into a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, honey. I wasn’t thinking. It’s not like I planned it, who knew the country’s most sought-after murderer would walk into the restaurant like that?”I stared at her, my jaw clenched. “And who knew the most wanted murderer could’ve stabbed you in the throat while you were trying to be nice? You can’t keep throwing yourself into danger just because your heart’s made of gold. People aren’t always worth
ELOISEI couldn't contain my shock, I walked back to the sit .“Sorry, but that seat’s taken,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. “i just stepped out.”She didn’t blink. , no shift in posture, she just sat there like she hadn't heard a word I say I subtly caught Laura’s gaze and gave her a sharp nod. Her hand slipped into her purse, fingers curling around her phone. I needed her to call 911 while I keep Claire with me.I leaned forward. “You’re not going to stand?”She didn’t move.“There are other places to stick your ass, lady. This isn’t your husband’s bar.” her tone sharpened, slicing through the air between us.I tilted her head slightly, “Well, it is,” she said slowly. “Get up by the way, you look familiar.”“Do I know you?” she asked, her face still hidden beneath her hood and a curtain of hair.I squinted. “Ain’t you the trash lady? You took my trash one time.”“Excuse me?” Her voice dropped a register.“I’m sure it’s you. I don’t forget faces.”Her lips curled. “I do
ELOISELaura's birthday party started later than I'd anticipated. They should have started without our presence but for no reason they waited in the sitting room untill I walked back in with Luciano my hair looking all messed up.There was barely enough time for me to shower and pick out my outfits and since I don't want to dress like the main character on her day, I really needed extra time to pick an outfit.I ended up choosing a short red dress and for God's sake Luciano still stared at me like I stole the show. "Why don't we go to a double date tonight? I've always wanted to do that with Eloise but she's always the one with boyfriends""I came down here because this party is also for me. I'd have driven you out of not" Luciano rolled his eyes. I've still not understood why this two siblings are always on each others neck but when I had my accident and needed help, they walked perfectly together. "Honey, it's your sister's birthday. Besides I also want a double date with her boy
LUCIANO"But why?" Eloise asked I mounted the stairs to join her on the landing. Without hesitation, I closed light hands to her shoulders and turned her away from the direction in which she had been about to head. "Our bedroom is this way" I said. "It’s been a really, really lovely day… luci. "As Alex's shocking relationship swam back into my memory like a giant man-eating shark, I was silenced. Thankfully not like I ever doubted her, Eloise doesn't have a thing at all for Alex. I guess I can be less insecure about that her one friend I couldn't get rid of. ‘The very best…"I agreed, with remarkable restraint. " I spent so much time getting you guys gift. I honestly hope it's loved"With careful hands I turned her back to face me and then bent down and swept her up into my arms."What on earth are you doing? Everyone's watching" Eloise gasped.‘I like the fact you’re mine and you need to relax Eloise, we are legally married now. " I shared, striding down the corridor and shoul
ELOISE"He is really cute so I asked him to be my boyfriend "" You chose him just because he's cute?" " Yes mommy, isn't that why you married Daddy?""Well..." I paused, she really caught off guard, "that was part of the reason."My little girl giggled, swinging her leg happily, as she talked to Nicole "See! Then it's okay if I pick someone cute too."I raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile. "Sweetheart, being cute is nice, but what really matters is how someone treats you. Does he make you laugh? Is he kind to you?"Giana nodded seriously. "He gave me the red crayon when he saw I wanted it. And he shared his pudding at lunch.""Wow," I said with a mock gasp, leaning in. "Sharing pudding? That’s true love right there."The little girl beamed. "I know, right? We're getting married at recess tomorrow."Her mom burst out laughing. "Well, I better start planning the wedding, huh?""Yes, but no kissing. That’s gross.""Deal," I said, ruffling her hair, and still grinning at how quickly
ELOISEI crossed my arms, my voice sharper than I intended. “I don’t like how I feel about this. When did you two… start, uh—dating? Or fucking?”Laura’s scoff was instant, her eyes narrowing. “Wow. So what? You think Alex can’t love me? Or that he’s too good for me?” Her voice cracked on the last word, a waver betraying how close she was to crying.She blinked rapidly , her lips trembling. I wasn’t angry, I was just confused. I never imagined them together. Alex, who once rolled his eyes at everything Laura said. Laura, who used to call him a “walking red flag.” Now here they were, all soft smiles and intertwined fingers like a cheesy rom-com come to life.Alex wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his chest. She let him. I let out a humorless laugh, biting the inside of my cheek.“Eloise,” he said gently, like someone trying to reason with a feral cat. “We’re adults. This isn’t something you need to freak out about. She’s your friend.”“And so are you, Alex!” I snapped. “Don’t