Sophia "Our first item of the night is the whispering city," the auctioneer announced. I stared at the painting from across the room, the dim lighting in the gallery seemed to heighten the painting's quality."The bid will start at $1,500," the auctioneer said, and bidding began."$2,000.""$2,500."I observed as others raised their paddles to bid. It wasn't that I wasn't interested in the painting, in fact, I was only here for the painting. I saw no reason to join the rest in the bidding game, there was no real challenger for me."$7,000."The room went silent. I guessed everyone was done playing. After waiting for a few more seconds, I raised my paddle just as the announcer was about to declare it sold, "$8... $1,000,000."Everyone turned around in shock."Wow! Did I hear that right? $1,000,000 from the gentleman at the back!" the auctioneer announced happily.I turned to see a man standing at the back, dressed in a black tuxedo. He had long hair tied in a short ponytail and a perm
Sophia pov My instincts told me to say no, to put on my clothes and flee while I had the chance, but my heart said otherwise. I had fallen head over heels for this stranger, and even though I knew about his dangerous job, I just couldn't stop now. "What are you?" I asked in a whisper. He didn't reply, instead, he tilted his head to the side and signaled his men to get out. I watched as they dragged the body out of the room, then turned to look at the stranger, who was back to putting on his clothes. "Leo," he said, and I shot him a puzzled look. "My name is Leo," he stated, turning to look at me. "Oh, I'm Sophia," I replied. "Now, Sophia, back to my previous question. Are you sure you can handle being with me?" he asked again. I stared at him, unsure of what to say. I wondered what he would do if I said no. Would he kill me so that I wouldn't tell anybody about what I saw there. "Yes." I didn't realize when the words escaped my mouth. He smiled again, this time more genu
Sophia "Contract marriage?" I exclaimed, unable to believe my ears. "Yes, the only reason he's getting married to Samantha is so that he can form a partnership with her father," Reggie replied."But Leo is a drug lord. Since when do drug lords even form partnerships?" I asked with a scoff. "They do. It's not common because of the lack of trust in the drug business, but Leo is sure that Sam's father won't hurt him if he's married to Sam."On hearing that, I realized that Leo cared more about his business than he did about me, iif he cared at all."I have to go, Reggie. Thanks for bringing me here," I said and got out of the car to leave. I couldn't handle hearing about how Leo never loved me any longer."Sophia!" Reggie called out. I stopped in my tracks and turned to him. "He still loves you, he's just in a really tight position right now," he said. I almost scoffed at his words. "Sure," I muttered and slammed the door shut.I walked into my new condo. It wasn't big or fancy, but it
Sophia "Burn her!" Samantha instructed with a wicked smile and turned to leave. "Oh, and Sophia…" she paused and turned to look at me, still smiling. "I'll make sure to take good care of Leo for you," she whispered in the most annoying voice and burst out laughing. "Sam, please don't do this! I'm not going to be a problem! I'll leave him!" I cried, hoping she would stop seeing me as a threat, "That's the thing, Sam, even if you leave him, you can never leave his heart. He loved you, and as long as you're alive, he won't let me fully into his heart," she replied and took slow strides to where I was. "He doesn't love me. If he did, he wouldn't divorce me so easily, so please just let me go," I pleaded. She pretended to think about it for a while before saying, "Nope, I am not taking any chances. You have to go. Sorry." She spun around and walked out of the room, leaving me with her two minions. The man picked me up from the chair and took me back outside to the same car he broug
Sophia I watched as the car drove off the cliff without any remorse, after all, he didn't mind watching me burn in that car.I spun around and began to walk out of the forest when I heard a loud explosive sound. I turned to see flames erupting from the cliff and let out a satisfied smile.I returned to my condo and packed a few things that I could get my hands on. I needed to get out of there fast. I packed some clothes, jewelry, money, and most importantly, my passport.I knew that it was only a matter of time before Reggie or Leo heard of my "death" and stopped by to check if I was really gone. If they found out I was still alive, it wouldn't take long for Samantha to find out, too.I put on a pair of faded blue jeans, an oversized hoodie, and a baseball cap. I zipped up my suitcase and dragged it outside. I thought of calling a taxi but decided that using my phone was too risky. Sam could be tracking it.The bus stop was just a stone's throw from where I lived, so I dragged my sui
Sophia’s Pov“W-what is this, what are you both doing here?” My brows furrowed as I glanced between the lady and Quinn, who relaxed in his seat without a care in the world. He was the only person sitting in the First Class area, which said a lot. Just how rich was this man?“I never imagined we’d meet this way, Sophia.” His lips curved into a thin smile as he leaned forward to pick up a glass of wine, slowly tilting it into his mouth.I watched on in discomfort, fiddling with the edge of my clothes as I gulped harshly. This was definitely not how I planned for my day to go. I didn’t expect to meet my ex-husband’s lifelong enemy here, yet here I was, standing in the midst of chaos. Hailey finally spoke up, “I saw her trying to flush her baby out. I intervened as soon as possible.” “Oh? Did something go wrong between you and Leo?” He asked, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. My eyes stung with tears and my throat felt tight all of a sudden, as I gripped the edge of a seat, trying to
Sophia “Are you listening to yourself?” I blurted, shocked by his proposal.“You heard me right. I said you should marry me.” Quinn repeated himself slowly, and each word made me feel like I was in some sort of a fever dream.“So, I marry you and in return, you protect me? That’s all?” I glanced towards Hailey, seeking some assurance. It seemed like I should’ve just walked away when I had the chance. What had I gotten myself into?“Why is that so hard for you to believe, Sophia?” Hailey interjected, annoyed by how I was speaking probably.“I’m honestly just trying to understand why you’re both helping me.” I shook my head in confusion, pursing my lips.“Do you need to know the minor details?” Quinn said, his demeanor calmer than ever. I bit my tongue to hold myself back.“What else am I in for? I want to know now.” I demanded, standing my ground.“That’s not something we can tell you right now. All I know is that if you follow through with this, you’ll be safe from Leo and Samantha’s
Sophia’s PovMy fingers glided over my soft skin, which felt nothing like it had before. I hadn’t looked in the mirror yet, but Hailey was constantly fawning over how beautiful the work done on me was.“I do feel better now…” I murmured, taking a peep at Hailey who was sitting on the edge of my hospital bed. “Yeah, the doctor said that by the second week, you’d be fine. The bandages are ready to take off too. Are you ready to see your new face?” She beamed.I pursed my lips, unsure if I would like the outcome or not. The deed was already done anyway, it was either I regretted my decision or I loved it. There was no in-between and like I usually told myself over and over there is no choice either.I sat up slowly, “Yeah…I think I am,” I nodded, outstretching my hand, “Could you pass me the mirror?”“Uh, yeah.” Hailey reached for the handheld mirror on the small wooden table beside her, passing it to me. This was the final revelation, huh?I took small, shaky breaths as I slowly unrave
GINA’S POVI rolled over on the bed, my hands flaring around unconsciously trying to find Quinn. He wasn’t in bed. I stretched out and sat up, rubbing my eyes. The room is dimly lithe by the florescent lamp by our bed stand. I searched for him with my eyes gliding from the bathroom door to the balcony. I noticed immediately that the glass door leading to the balcony was open. I climbed down, picking my night gown from the floor. I slipped through the door like a cartoon stealth monkey. Hoping I could startle him but when I saw Quinn leaned against the railing looking at my phone, I knew something was wrong.“Quinn.” I whispered softly.He turned, slowly hiding the phone behind him. “You are awake.” “Yeah.” I eyed his back pocket.“Did the cold winds wake you? I’m sorry I forgot to close the close the door.”“It’s okay.” I start towards him, with a graceful catwalk. “ I missed you so I woke up.”He smiled with his lips stretching to the left. I drew close enough, placing my head on h
AL DURO’S POVDid I ever say I hate hospitals? Well I do. Every inch reeked of detergent, disease and old people. What I wouldn’t do to get out of here but I have to suck it up. Important things required some, disgusting, sacrifices.I huffed, crosschecked the fruit basket and then I knocked. “Its Al duro.” I cleared my throat. My hoarse voice getting deeper.The door swung open. A nurse ran out immediately. A plate flew her direction. I dodged immediately. It shattered on the wall behind me.‘It’s only been two days and she is throwing things already. Woof’I gently pat on the door again. “Can I come in now?” There was a brief silence and then she spoke.“Come in.” I smiled and slowly walked into the room. The first thing that greeted me was a bowl face down on the floor then scattered roses and a woman in hospital blues biting her lip. Her hair disheveled and her face smudged with tears. She looked like she was having a schizophrenic episode. “Samantha? Can you hear me?” “Ye
LEO’S POVShe stared at me, voiceless. I scoffed. “So now you can’t talk?” Really?”She pursed her lips; fear in her eyes. I walked off, trying to blow off the rage building up inside me. It didn’t work. I shot a bloody gaze at her. She flinched a little but then composed herself. Every bit of her telling me she is not backing down easily.“You don’t scare me, you bastard.”I ignored her walking away.“Sam. Sam. Sam. Don’t push me. I’ve done everything for you. I had my business put on hold because you asked me to be here. I’ve bought everything you said you needed, snuggled you in at night. Every space of time I have is virtually occupied by you an our child. I haven’t lain a hand on a woman months before you said you were pregnant but still…” I took a moment, to suck in a breath . then I spun around to look her in the eyes.“Still you call me 50 times every day. You text me nonstop and you keep accusing me of sleeping around. You’ve gone mad Samantha. I won’t let you drive me crazy
LEO’S POVTHREE MONTHS LATERIt never rains this much in may. Tonight is different. The downpour was twice as heavy. Cold winds froze the windshield and seeped in through the windows I had cracked open. The damp road reeked of grease and motor oil. My phone is on vibrate, dancing away on the passenger seat. You would expect that I would be dying to get home; to get warm. But honestly, I wasn’t. the cold site me just fine. The chilling feeling of my bones contracting as my body iced; it is a peace I havn’t felt in a while. For a moment, I actually thought that my entire life would turn out to be a dream if I closed my eyes and let the cold enveloped me in her arms full of icy nectar. Oh how I missed the quiet. I could get used to..A hand banged against my window, jolting my thoughts. I heaved, squeezing the revolver holstered to my weight. I sucked in a breath and exhaled slowly, trying to let the anger out. That son of a bitch better have a good reason for this. I opened my eyes and
GINA'S POVI stood in front of the mirror built-in to the left door of the giant closet inside the luxury penthouse. The cold morning breeze wafts the curtains and chills my skin. I have only what nature has given me, on. My eyes are closed. It has been a very long year but nothing beat nearly losing my son to that lunatic, Leo. The people I lost and the fear I had to endure still left bone chilling memories that just couldn't fade.Well, Derek is finally far away from all this but for some reason I couldn't get the peace I thought I would. Perhaps it’s because I couldn't call. Hailey must have crossed multiple continents by now; there is no way I could get to her from a cell phone. I know where she would be eventually and after was that make me so restless. My son isn't going to see me again, not for another four or even Ten years. I wondered how I could cope. I think that is the reason I haven’t been able to feel at ease.I took a deep breath and open my eyes. The figure that stood
AL DURO'S POVI watched him stare listlessly, from the Golden Brown door to the wallpaper and back to his glass of wine but it was just to refill it and repeat the action again. Honestly, in all the time I have been with Leonardo Fernandez I had never seen him so devastated. I have to admit I found myself acknowledging that I hit the guy pretty hard. Not that I didn't like it though. Leonardo sighed heavily. It drew my attention.“You know, brandy can't help you.”He ignored me well more like he didn't hear me. His eyes are sullen, his head falling and gloom marred his features. In a way he is like an awoken corpse.“Leonardo I'm being honest.”He rose, not sparing me any glance while he walked to the bar counter in his living room to pick the fifth bottle of brandy. I sprung to my feet from the armchair I had occupied, launched towards him and grabbed the bottle.“Quit it man, you are stronger than this!”He gave me a blank stare and then grinned mockingly.“I thought so too, well,
GINA’S POVI wheeled into the parking lot of the hanger. An ambulance right behind me, roughly screeching to a halt. I hopped down, lifting a revolver gun out of the car. The ambulance door swung open and Quinn alighted. A bazooka placed on his shoulder. His radio was reporting. “Nothing living on site Boss.”He looked at his men in the ambulance. “It’s clear, move him now.” Quinn ordered. I took the front, they followed behind me. The jet just a few feet away. Three guards lay in wait with a woman. She has a thin purple scarf over her neck, covering part of her face.The doctors pushed the stretcher onward. Derek had been strapped down on so he wouldn't fall. Quinn hovering around us, watching the parameter. The doctors pushed Derek up into the craft while I stopped in front of the lady.Her face is hidden but I could tell she is smiling.“Thank you… Hailey. This means the world to me.”“You don't need to thank me. It’s Derek we were talking about here. I love him like he is my ow
GINA'S POV That long, dragging piercing sound of a faulty radio, that's the only thing I could hear when my head hit the ground. My eyes flickered and the pain in my head just didn't stop gnawing at me.I held what seemed like the bashed side and tried to pull myself up. The whole world is in chaos. Black boots stumbling back and forth beside me. Men yelling... falling. There is blood everywhere.I couldn't think but my subconscious mind is able to calculate and know that I have to flee so I did. Stomping around like I was blind. The debris of blown up rocks with jagged edges tore the skin on my feet. I groaned but I couldn't put myself together enough to tell which way is right.Someone is yelling, his voice tried to break through the screeching sound in my ear but it couldn’t. I couldn't tell what he was saying. Until… he grabbed me “Take cover.” He dragged me down with him, enveloping me in his arms. An explosion erupted the very next second. I shrunk into his enclosure, shudder
I heard the baritone voice behind the door. I spun around immediately. A relieved smile settling on my face. I had been waiting for him. I let go of the hem of my shirt rumble by my grip. The door opened slowly and Quinn walked in. His clothes are ripped a little and he is covered in dust. Tears weld up in my eyes. With our lips sealed I asked him, if he was hurt. He heaved and shock his head. He wasn't . I ran to him and hugged him. We shared a passionate kiss for a moment before we disengaged. He pulled me to him and we both faced Reginald.“You said you could find him right?” Quinn asked.“Yes.” He said, navigating away from his bed.“Leonardo has two safe houses. Four months back, one of the was burned out so they decided to make the second one fire proof. Then when Gina came, he began to fantasize having a family so he renovated the place to look like a home. If he is taking him to a safe place then that's the location.”“Directions, We don't have time.” Reggie shock his