The woman closed the door and leaned against it. Raising her light trembling hand, she clutched her chest to calm her racing heart. A whirlwind of emotions stirring deep within her, the warmth of his lips still lingered on hers. Her mouth curved into a smile of its own as she replayed the moment in her head. Now instead of calming down, her heartbeat accelerated. Why would it not? She was still not over the masculine energy he had exuded while kissing her. She hadn't expected him to be this passionate, this wild. And his eyes....she struggled to breathe as she recalled the fiery intensity in his eyes. His smoldering gaze had melted her into a pool of water. Instinctively, she flicked out her tongue and ran it over her lips, feeling the bruises he had rewarded her with. He was ferocious. Climbing onto her bed, she buried her face into her pillow. grinning hard. It was certain, sleep wasn't going to come to her now. The sun was already up and Vincent would be awake in a few hours anywa
A pang pierced her heart as she helped him. She didn't like the sight of him bound to a wheelchair. She preferred him standing on his feet, towering over others with his tall stature. She had never met a man who could match his grace. She vividly remembered her first impression of him. The man had effortlessly dominated the entire room with his powerful presence. The mighty authority he radiated in the party had left her on edge. That had also influenced her decision. Back then she couldn't imagine marrying someone with such a commanding personality. His overpowering masculine energy had scared her. And his reserved nature had only solidified her decision. Back then she was just a girl who liked boys, not men. And he was a man- through and through. But now she was mesmerized by him. His imposing demeanor and authoritative voice ignited her desire without an effort. It wasn't just his dazzling looks or rugged physique but the way he carried himself; with confidence and poise that drew
He withdrew abruptly, leaving her unfulfilled and craving for more. His mouth curved into a playful smirk as he reclined in his chair, his eyes overflowing with unbridled lust as they roamed over her body as if he were entitled to do so. Maya unconsciously clenched her thighs, feeling heat leaking from her core. Sitting with the regal air of a King, he looked impossibly tempting. She felt like a powerless slave at the mercy of her owner. "Kiss me," he commanded her in his deep, authoritative voice. Gone was the cold, reserved Dante Martinez she knew, this man was a dangerous blend of power and seduction. Her body responded instinctively and before she knew it she was chasing his mouth like a woman starving for a lover's touch. A profound sense of exhilaration tore through her veins as she pressed her mouth to his. His lips were soft and in contrast to his personality. He didn't torment her anymore and reciprocated, turning their gentle kiss into a rough, demanding mouth-fu
Maya knew something inside her was changing. Every moment spent with Dante was healing a part of her. His warmth and care filling cracks in her broken soul. His very presence seemed to bring a calming tranquility to her restless heart. Smiling, she lifted Vincent and spun him around, causing the baby to burst into soft giggles. His charcoal grey eyes reminded her of his father. She was certain this little angel was growing up to be a heartbreaker just like his dad. She hoped he would also inherit his dad's traits and become a good person. "I hope you are not going to be as naughty as your dad," she told the little one, grinning. That man had her blushing like crazy. She had never taken Dante for a teasing type much less naughty but he had surprised her. And boy she was surprised. It was impossible to reconcile this Dante with the one she had met at the party. She didn't know which one was real but she liked this Dante real- the straightforward one. She decided to take the baby t
He forcefully moved his fractured arm and lifted the cover for her. She understood his gesture and didn't waste a moment to join him on his bed and slip under the cover. Her fear had overshadowed her reasons. "Nightmare?" he asked, observing her trembling body. She was bathed in sweat and her red-rimmed eyes still had traces of tears. She nodded, absently staring down at the cover. Her eyes shifted to his hand as he wrapped it around hers. She raised her gaze to his face and searched but found no trace of pain. "It was just a nightmare. You are fine," he assured her. Now that she was with him, not even the devil himself could cause her any harm. She stared into her eyes and felt peace slowly taking over her anxious heart. The warmth his eyes emanated had become her source of comfort. His arms her safe heaven. A teardrop fell down her eye as she held his tender gaze. She had locked her emotions deep down in her heart knowing no one cared. But she didn't know why just one look from
As the morning light streamed in through the partially drawn curtains, it gently danced behind his closed eyelids, gradually drawing him from his peaceful and deep slumber. Slowly opening his eyes, he frowned feeling a weight on his chest. Looking down, he found a mop of brown lock sprawled across his chest, her head nestled close to his chest. A fond smile lit up his face as he reached out and gently pushed away her wild strands to see her face. She was in a deep sleep. Her lashes casting a faint shadow on her cheeks, her lips slightly parted. His heart swelled with love as he marveled at her beauty. Unable to resist himself, he extended his hand and caressed her face with a feather-like touch. The room was filled with a serene quiet, letting him hear her deep and even breathing. In this moment, he felt as if everything he ever wished for was in his arms and he needed nothing more. He felt content. He knew he would cherish this moment forever, he would cherish her forever. As if se
"What?" she asked, certain she had misinterpreted his statement. He was too proper to propose something like that. His confidence faltered upon seeing her shocked expression. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was hanging open in disbelief. There was a hint of blush adorning her cheeks, suggesting she had heard him alright. It was the first time he had shared his innermost desire with someone. He thought they were all in it but perhaps he misinterpreted their situation. He let his hope grow. He lowered his gaze, feeling ashamed of himself. She must be considering him a pervert now. "I am sorry," he mumbled, too embarrassed to meet her gaze. Maya blinked at him, comprehending the sudden shift in his demeanor. Just a moment ago, he was devouring her with his eyes and now it seemed he wasn't interested at all. "I..I've never done that," she admitted, the blush on her cheeks deepened to crimson. She would be the biggest liar of the century if she said she didn't crave his mouth on he
His deep voice, resonating with an undeniable authority, sent a jolt of nervous energy through her. Her sweaty palms rolled into tight fists as she struggled to keep her breathing in check. Ignoring the whirl of excitement raging within her, she turned towards the table and set down the tray. She felt the heat of his gaze searing her flesh as she nervously traced her steps back to the bed. Her head was downcast and her eyes were stuck to the floor. She stood in front of him, wringing her hands together. Her heart was close to bursting out of her chest. His eyes glittered with a mixture of affection and amusement as he watched her nervous self. She was cute. Adorable. "Get in the bed, sweetheart," he urged her in a tender voice. She followed his command like a good girl and sat down beside him with her feet on the floor. She turned her face towards him, lines of self-doubt creasing her beautiful features. He frowned, not liking the worries of line marring her beautiful face. He rea
Dante gazed down at his angel, a soft smile curving his lips. Gently, he wrapped a lock of her silky hair around his finger, twirling it absentmindedly. A few months ago, if someone had dared to tell him this moment would be real—that he would have her by his side—he might have laughed bitterly or even snapped their jaw for mocking his feelings. He still, sometimes, couldn't believe she was really here. He recalled the day she had suddenly appeared before his car. It was impossible to recognize her, as her face was caked in dirt, her clothes torn, and her eyes closed. She looked completely different from her earlier self, but something in him recognized her despite her disheveled state. He was utterly shocked and distraught to find her like that. But they were past those days. Now that they were together, he was determined to fill her life with love and happiness. He had already prepared her divorce papers and the day he would find Paulo, he'd make him sign the paper so that he could
Eviana bristled as she saw them together, walking in through the door, hand in hand. Her fists clenched, jealousy burning through her veins.For a brief moment, her eyes met Maya's. The frown on Eviana's mouth quickly curved into a smile, but Maya responded with cold indifference. She wasn't going to get fooled by her fakeness any longer."I am so happy you came back," Eviana approached them, speaking in a sickly sweet voice. "This is my home. Of course, I was coming back," Maya responded curtly, not buying her lies. From today on, she was going to trust her instincts. Eviana's smile hardened. "Of course, of course. The way you left, I thought you wouldn't come back until Dante had ground his nose to your feet," she joked before coming to a stop in front of her and continuing, "Please, forget about everything that happened. I can understand how embarrassed you must have felt while apologizing to me. In honesty, I also didn't like Dante's forci." She stopped to gauge her reaction. "
Dante stood taller, his piercing eyes firmly locked on her as she descended the stairs. "Come home with me," his silent command rang clearly in the air, his stare unwavering."I am staying here tonight," she answered, her voice cold. Dante's jaw tightened in strong disapproval. "Why?" he gritted out, his voice low and dangerous. "This is her home. She doesn't need your permission to stay here," Mr. Diaz cut in. "This is not her home," Dante asserted, gaze still locked with her. Maya looked away, breaking their eye contact. "You better leave now. I will not come with you," she refused, folding her arms over her chest as if protecting herself. Though her voice was persistent, the furrow in her brows betrayed the conflict brewing beneath her calm facade. She avoided eye contact with him, afraid she might give in to his demand if she did. "Stop acting like a child and come with me," Dante insisted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Don't make me call guards, Dante," Mr. Diaz war
"What's wrong with her?" Katty had written below the pictures she had shared with Dante over the chatting app.It was pictures of Maya and a man whose face wasn't clear. The photos were taken from behind the man, with only Maya’s face visible as he carried her in his arms. Dante burned with jealousy. His eyes burned holes through the screen as he struggled to suppress his rage. He didn't respond to Katty, instead, he called Maya. She didn't answer, further fueling his anger.Seething, he stormed out of his office and drove to hers. .......Maya was surprised to learn that Dante had come to see her. Despite her craving to see him, she told her P.A to not let him in. The bruise he had inflicted on her ego was still fresh and hurting. Despite her clear instruction, the door of her room flew open a few moments later, startling her. She looked up to find him stalking toward her. His face- a mask of pure rage. She got to her feet, feeling intimidated by the oppressive aura he exuded. "Wh
"You okay?" Miguel questioned after noticing her dour mood. "I am good," Maya answered flatly. Her lips pursed by suppressed fury. "Alright. Get up. We have somewhere to be," Miguel prompted her. Maya frowned. "Where to? You didn't say anything about going anywhere" she asked"It was last minute," he stated. Maya drew a sigh before getting to her feet. He hadn't stopped calling and messaging her since morning. But her anger hadn't eased a bit. Actually, she was more hurt than angry. She cut yet another call and followed Miguel out. She was determined to not forgive him this easily. He pulled over in front of a restaurant. They took their seat at the table in the corner. "Who are we meeting?" Maya questioned, drawing out her tab from the bag to jot down notes. "They'll be here any minute," Miguel said, taking a quick glance at his watch. Maya nodded while Miguel beckoned a waiter."Two drinks for us," he ordered. Maya didn't object. She was also craving something strong to fo
"Don't try me," he warned her, adopting a tone he had never used with her before. Maya was stunned, heartbroken. "What's wrong with you?" Maya retorted, not able to understand why he was being such a jerk to her. Dante let out an exasperated sigh. "Just apologize to Eviana," he said. "I won't," Maya refused outrightly. Dante clenched his jaw. "It's okay. I don't want any apology. Just don't fight on my account," Eviana interrupted. "She has slapped you. It's not a trivial matter. The least you deserve is an apology," Katty asserted, giving dirty eye to Maya. Dante took an angry stride towards her, his huge frame dwarfing hers. "Don't push it, Maya. Just do as I say," he gritted out. He loved her but he wouldn't support her where she was wrong. She needed to take responsibility for her mistakes. "Watch your tone with me," Maya seethed, not backing out. "And you want her to run this house with you. She is immature, who can't take responsibility for her own actions," Katty punct
"Come in," she answered, her tone tinged with mild annoyance at the interruption. A man came in, carrying a large bouquet of roses. She got up from her chair, confused. The man extended the bouquet towards her. She stared at the bouquet, hesitant to take it."This is for you," he clarified, noticing her hesitation. "For me?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. She took the bouquet and began searching for a note. There it was nestled among the crimson blossoms. A knowing smile spread across her face as she realized who the sender was. "I'll take my leave," the man said. She nodded absently, her entire focus centered on the card. She opened the note, and her smile grew into a full-blown grin as she read it: "I Love You," in all caps. She gently brushed her fingers over the letters, her heart blooming like those flowers. You are my heaven. It is a simple sentence but deep enough to stir butterflies in her stomach. She couldn't stop smiling as she read and reread his confession. Bringi
"He was seen around your office a few times," Peter dropped the bomb. Maya gulped. She could sense that freak was onto something. He wanted to exact revenge for hurting him. "Where is he now?" Maya demanded, slowly losing her patience. She had to nab him before he did something horrible. "You were right in your assumption. Someone is protecting him. There have been no transactions in his accounts for months which means he has another account. Someone is aiding him financially," Peter revealed. Maya nodded, taking in details."He is also being protected. Someone is making sure his locations remain hidden," Peter discussed, standing in front of him, he asked, "Could it be someone from your family?" "Huh?" Maya responded, not expecting the question. "I was wondering if someone from your family is using him to harm you. Your family is rich too," Peter explained. "No," Maya answered, without missing a beat. Her parents hated Paulo. They would never do something like that. Peter nodded
"You are mad at me?" he questioned, walking into the room. She turned away without uttering a word. Dante drew a heavy sigh and sauntered towards her. He came to stand beside his woman and gazed down at his son. The boy rewarded him with a bright smile, melting his heart."Hi there," he cooed, leaning closer to him. The boy sneezed, his tiny body shaking with the motion. A spray of spit landed on Dante's face."Very good," Dante sighed, leaning away. Maya's mouth curved into an approving smile."My smart boy," Maya praised her son, happy to see how he avenged her. Dante scowled. "So I am the enemy now," he stated, looking at her with slightly narrowed eyes. A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. She didn't respond and kept swaying Vincent. Her silent treatment and ignoring games were her worst torture methods. "I didn't know she would do something like that," he shared with a sigh. She stopped in her movements and raised her gaze to his. "Sometimes she forgets she is just a