ELOISEI squinted at the bedside clock. 12:00 PM? Seriously?A thick fog of grogginess clung to me as I tried to move, but something—no, someone's arm was pressing against my waist. I froze, confusion clouding my thoughts. I couldn’t remember the last time I woke up with a guy in my bed. Actually, I could. It was five years ago. But this was different.The arm around me was solid, warm, and strangely comforting, as if it could shield me from whatever danger I could encounter . He smelled... incredible. A soft sigh slipped from my lips as I snuggled closer to the warm body, not quite ready to face reality. I kept my eyes closed, curling into the warmth. The arm tightened around me, pulling me closer still until back pressed flush against a solid haired chest, and I could feel his breath stir the hairs on my neck. I melted, but then—Wait.Who was this? What happened last night?I could barely get my brain to work, my thoughts sluggish and hazy. I shifted a little, touching somet
ELOISEDamon hadn't called, texted or bugged me. He finally probably understand everything now. That it was all over between us. Now I have to figure it how to get my house back. I'd use my period as an excuse for not Cooking..I only managed to wash the kids up while Luciano did all the cooking and tidying up.. he hated take out and I have noticed that he loves making food himself.. Like it was some destressing exercise. "Your number was not going through and we were all really worried that something has happened to you" Felicia said the moment I sat in my officeTwo days of being away from reality was absolutely Worth it. " I had other things to sort out" I replied and continued staring at the file that has picked my interest. There wasn't even the slightest increase in the earnings. I stayed until 6pm so I could pick my things that Yanet had sent from the states. The sun had already dipped below the horizon by the time I loaded the last box into my tr
ELOISE "What's wrong with you Eloise. Are you okay" Luciano questioned the moment he saw me put ony shade" Nothing. Can't I go to work in style?" I lied walking hurriedly outside. ,,He gave me a furrowed gaze like he could swear l esse lying. " El. Ummm ... I ... Well you look good in it I'm just curious that you came back tired yesterday, ignored every damn person and went ahead to sleep_" "Mmm... About that. I was just really exhausted. I'm sorry I got you worried. " ,"Worried my ass " he muttered, I feel like the last thing Luciano would ever admit to was caring for me. He might not really love me though but right from the moment we met. He cared. He worried. "Hey Eloise" Luciano's dark eyes stared to my soul. I would have loved to get rid of my shade to see his beautiful eyes more clearly and naturally but he was damn going to freak out if he sees the bruise I had in my eyes. "What happened Mr. Luciano " his face frowned and he shifted like he was slig
LUCIANO "After the sudden death of Mr. Martin Harrington, the gallery has been I'm a sudden financial rut . It has even caused loan sharks to create a scene aswell and now the gallery has defused to pay it's workers well enough " I scoffed silently as I watched the news . The Media really have no better talent in minding Thier business.. "The problem isn't actually the gallery, the incompetence of the new director who failed to recognize and provide a solution is the problem " "She hid her assets and focused on shopping more luxury items" I'd suggest that this press would be given Eloise's position in a year let see if they could achieve what she was able to in few months. That is, it they won't give in to pressure and it off. I was fucking pissed and almost turned off the television but they decided to go more specific. I was also curious about her yesterday. "Yesterday around 7-8pm while she was returning from one of her shopping spree, she was robbed
ELOISE I moved slowly away from Luciano to answer my phone and his eyes kept fixed on my mouth like he was going read every single word I say.. "I was worried when I heard the news so I came right over" "Alex? Where are you?" I stuttered. "You had another guest so I was waiting. I guess I din't need to worry" he said like he was a little disappointed. "No. You can come in Alex. he's just..." "Don't worry about it." he paused for a while. "Hey, pookie, I know you are not okay. what can I do for you? You want me to ruin that newscaster's career or shut down the news channel?" Now this sounded more like the old Alex I knew. The one who would do every thing possible within his mean to pay an eye for an eye . " I will take care of it Alex. besides I'm not a baby any more, so you need not to worry about me" I assured. "Fine" he grunted " I will make sure to catch the asshole that did this to you and trust me, he won't live to talk about what I will do to him " I swallowe
ELOISE "Fine. But Luciano" I furrowed my brows. " How do I tell you that you are overreacting just a tiny little bit? Alex is my best friend. " "What?" "Don't think about it. Meanwhile, Alex just texted me that the thief has been caught and I should head straight to the station to identify them" "I'm coming with you" he said and adjusted his tie. "No you are not, Luciano. I've got this under control " he scoffed. Luciano was a very stubborn one. He got to the station even before I could get there by taxi. "It wasn't me, okay? I have repeatedly confessed that I'm innocent. Damn it! How do you even call yourself cops? Do you have any proof" "Shut your fucking mouth and wait for her to come here and decide whether you are innocent or not. You better be though" . Luciano slammed his hands on the desk while his legs shook restlessly. I wasn't sure if I was ready to see the brutal face from yesterday, I stayed at the entrance a little bit without being noticed. " How can y
LUCIANO. "I should be asking you " I said as we walked outside with the tension. I was wondering how many guys Eloise has at her beck and call " Luciano, this is my Alex... And Alex this is...""My Alex?" I scoffed. Eloise made the matter worst by tugging herself around his arms while Alex smiled at her like they were highschool lovers. "Yes, this is Alex. My best friend. You've always wanted to meet him". I stared closely at his nails, they weren't any nail polish on it. Infact it was neatly trimmed. "Isn't Alex meant to be ...maybe gay?""Gay?" Alex stopped and threw an aggressive look at me before looking confusedly at Eloise. 'it's not what you think Alex, I never told him you are gay. I honestly don't know how he came up with that thought ""Does a 6.5 feet guy with this kind of face look like a gay to you. Here is a shocker; Eloise isn't just a best friend but an ex- girlfriend " Alex scoffed. "What?" Eloise nudged him and smiled a little before placing strands of hair
Luciano. Even with my uncertainty, I couldn't ask. I was really scared that I probably abandoned her after her divorce to raise three kids alone and now I shamefully married her without my apology or even trying to make things right. The triplets probably knew their father from the first day of meeting but a foolish one t me couldn't recognize my kids. " What's going on in your mind? Alex is offering to dress your wound. "I looked up at the tiny scratches at my knuckles. I didn't even realize I had any injury on me. "No, thank you for your concern . I'm good" I responded sharply. What would people think if they got a glimpse of me being wound dressed by a guy. Was he going to blow on it too? The thought of it gives me cold goosebumps already. " I think you should Luciano. He wants to chat with you and I will go pick up the kids from school"" I can pick up our kids myself. " I said sharply.Eloise’s brows furrowed deeply. "Our kids?" she echoed, her tone carrying a mix of su
ELOISE"Eloise . Are you sure you want to do this? We have not pinned your accident's culprit on anyone. We should be careful since something worst could happen. I will handle everything my own way" Luciano pleaded "No I will do it. And I will be fine. Obviously these people would try to cover everything up if I give the flash to the FBI or press. Thankfully I have this journalist friend of mine that wouldn't stand the injustice " I said to assure Luciano that I would be fine. I didn't exactly know if truly this man wouldn't come after me. Infact I'm sure he would but then everyone will get a glimpse of his true nature and after all I have my husband and Alex by my side. We settled in the living room, the low hum of the television was the least of my concern as I picked slowly on the bowl filled with popcorn. Luciano was warm beside me, the scent of his cologne grounding me in a way I hadn’t expected. His arm rested along the back of the couch, close enough that if I leaned just
ELOISEBy the time I got home, the sky was already turning that deep shade of orange Valerie’s words stayed with me the entire drive back. I hadn’t expected that. It was one thing to hate the man who raised you, However it's another Story entirely to hand over the evidence that could destroy him. As I stepped into the house, the familiar warmth o wrapped around me, but it didn’t settle the unease in my chest.The kids were already in their pajamas, curled up in the living room. Giana was half-asleep against Nicole’s shoulder, Kiara’s fingers tangled in her own curls as she watched a cartoon with so much attention. I took a deep breath and forced a smile while they hugged me tightly “Hey, miei amori. Long day?” Nicole barely looked up. “Yes ” I chuckled, ruffling his hair before pressing a kiss to Giana’s forehead. “Alright, just a few more minutes, then dinner. I will go fix something up now” Kiara nodded, but her eyes flicked up to my face,. She always knew when something
ELOISETwo days later I got up from the wrong side of bed again today. All I wanted was to grab a stranger by his collar and get a fight with him. And I obviously know whom to drag every single hair out of his hair to feel better. Josh. My so called cousin. He's been invisible for the past few months after I've reported him of house burglary. He had disappeared from the very face of the earth ever since , even Alex couldn't find him. My phone vibrated on the nightstand, the sound slicing through my tangled thoughts. I grabbed it, barely awake, and blinked at the screen. It was Dr. Vera that texted me 'Eloise, I’ve been thinking about our last session since it helped greatly, I want to try something better today, a more traditional method. This time, you’ll choose which part of your memory to recall. I believe it could speed up the process. Can you come in this morning?* A slow exhale left my lips. Choosing which part of my memory to unlock? The idea sent a chill down my spi
ELOISEThe moment the door clicked shut behind Valerie, I exhaled, releasing the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. But few minutes later. as I turned to Luciano, ready to dissect everything that had just happened, the sound of soft knocking interrupted me. I narrowed my eyes, already knowing who it was. Luciano groaned, rubbing his temple. “Of course she wouldn't leave untill a call the police on her. " With an exaggerated sigh, he yanked the door open. There stood Valerie, looking as smug as ever, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers. “Forget something?” Luciano asked dryly. Valerie grinned, rocking on her heels. “I forgot to beg.” Luciano sighed started closing the door, but she slipped past him with ease, making a beeline for the couch. She plopped down dramatically, stretching her legs out. “Luciano, please,” she drawled, batting her lashes up at him. “I swear, I’ll be so quiet you won’t even know I’m here. I can be very, very invisible.” I
LUCIANO..I looked around and noticed the rose petals that were on the dinning. I couldn't help but smirk. Eloise must have had a long day regretting but her ego didn't let her to leave me a text. "Is today a special day?" Valerie asked once she noticed were my gaze was at. "No!" Eloise replied immediately. Her face showed all kinds of disappointed expressions. "Come on! What special day? It's not valentine and ... Is it your birthday Luciano or the triplets?""That didn't answer the question I asked earlier. Why the hell are you in my house?"Valerie clicked his tongue. " Here I am worried about you" she directed to no one in particular " Worried about whom? Him or...me?" Eloise muttered.."Him ofcourse. Why should I worry about you?" Valerie replied fiercely ..I gave her a stern warning look. She dare not talk to my wife like that. "Your parents would be worried. Go home Valerie.""Luciano, didn't you hear what I just said? I'm going to crash at your place for a few days ".
ELOISE Most times we'd things we end if regretting, but changing the clock backwards to correct or mistakes has never been possible. Ever since I left Luciano's office I've been restless . Probably due to guilt. No matter what he did, I shouldn't... I had no right to slap him. I've been fed with a whole lot of things this past few days and I'm just not sure who to believe but my heart would never lie to me. I know deep down that Luciano wants what's best for me. I paced back and forth in the living room, my heart hammering against my chest , and I kept glancing at the clock on the wall. Did he run away from home? There's no damn way a grown ass kan would do that. Luciano said we needed to talk, and I had convinced myself that this conversation would change everything. Would he forgive me for slapping him? Would he finally tell me the truth? Or was I just a fool The sound of that passcode being wrongly entered echoed in my ear. Was he drunk? I swallowed hard, smoothing
LUCIANO"You need to see this boss" James said as soon as Jonathan left. "I did my own research and looking at the land registers..." I brought out a landscape and placed the photo in my desk.."Do you remember the VIPs at the museum opening party?" He asked and I nodded. "Their name came up quiet often on the register" James said with total certainty. I couldn't help but scoff. This was exactly what i guessed. It was weird enough that the museum that had no visitors at all suddenly got flooded on the opening party even though all those that Eloise invited turned down her invitation. They ended up coming. I should have know judging by the fact that they all arrived at the same exact time..So to them it was like land surveying Instead of open party? Those scumbags! "Sir... I'm sorry to bring this up again. Your grand father insist you visit him today"..I raised a brow in annoyance and then leaned back in my chair, drumming my fingers against the desk. Of course my grandfather
LUCIANO"I don't know why she's here but it's definitely unlike her. She never visited you before" James said trembling on his feet. "Well let her in ofcourse" Eloise was probably trying to get to know more about herself. She was always busy running her museum and I am always the one visiting to help out and strategize but today she came and I am glad she found time to visit. "I wasn't expecting you El" I said with a smile ushering her to seat at the cushion while I abandoned my work to join her. However instead of reciprocated smile, I got a slap on my cheek instead and I could only scoff. "Did you know about this?" She asked and hands her tabs over to me. " If you were going to lie to me, to deceive me just because of money, you could have atleast had a rethink. I almost died but all you and your family care about is purchasing every piece of land around the museum "I got really annoyed but I won't blame her. She was at her most vulnerable state that she could easily be decei
ELOISELuciano wouldn't have sex with me and it still bothers me. Does he chest on me or something? I'm sure I know men enough to realize that they never keep their stuff under their pants. I didn't want to lose my husband to the hands of a random slut . Even though I insisted that we stay in the same room, he sleeps on the couch and leaves the king sized bed for him But tonight I won't let him. I'm a human too and I'm sure he is! I was about to break the king silence before luckily he spoke up. "It's unlike you to insist on sharing the same room with me. I guess the accident really messed with your head" Luciano said with a chuckle as he lay on the couch close to the television. " No. I just feel a married couple should share a bed. I don't know how shitty my personality have been while we are married but I do appreciate that you saved me from my ex-husband. That asshole would have manipulated his way into my life again" I said . I already heard from the news about all that hap