He walked into the mansion. Without her presence, his home felt empty and dull, like she had taken all the light and warmth. "Exhausted?" Eviana remarked, catching his attention. She regarded him with a dazzling smile. Her glossy cinnamon-brown hair cascaded freely in rich, graceful waves- bouncing slightly as she walked towards him. Her see-through nightgown offering a tantalizing view of her voluptuous curves. A soft invitation to explore them. "I was waiting for you," she admitted, coming to a halt before him. "You don't have to wait for me," he spoke before looking away from her. "Why not? You are my friend. And now with Maya gone, it's my responsibility to look after you. To make sure you've eaten or not," she replied, her voice warm with sincerity. "Don't worry yourself for me. I've had my dinner," he told her. As much as she willed him, his eyes never slipped downward to her barely concealed body."Well, I am glad to hear that," she responded with a tight smile. He
After finishing the meeting, she was returning to her hotel when her car stopped at a red light. Her gaze drifted to the world outside her window. The sun had just set. Her mind wandered over to Dante, a smile flitted across her lips. He must be deep in his sleep right now. She still sometimes couldn't believe they were together. She still clearly remembered the day his car had bumped into her. Her faith in destiny had been reaffirmed since then.Her thought came to an abrupt halt when she caught a very familiar face among the crowd outside. The blood froze in her veins. But just as quickly as she saw him, he vanished. The person was gone in a flash. "Paulo," she whispered, both in disbelief and horror. She searched for him in the blur of moving people but to no avail. He just materialized and disappeared in a second. Was he really there? Or did she imagine him? How could he be in Australia? It had to be a misunderstanding but dread had settled deep within her. She was tempted
"You dare talk back? I will tear off your tongue," Paulo thundered as he slammed her head against the wall. "Leave me," she whimpered, feeling dizzy with pain. He threw her to the floor and drew his belt. "A girl who didn’t stay loyal to her own parents, how could she ever be loyal to me?" he sneered as he swung the belt in the air. "No," she screamed, bolting upright in the bed. She was drenched in sweat, her eyes wide with horror. She quickly reached out and turned on the light. As her nerves began to settle, tears claimed her eyes. She broke down into sobs, scared to her core. Extending her arm, she grabbed her phone and dialed him. Just one ring sounded before he answered the call. His beautiful face popped into her screen, making her sob harder. "What's wrong?" he demanded, worry etched his features. "I..I had a ni..nightmare," she stuttered out, barely able to form words. "You are fine. You are safe," he assured her. The need to get to her gnawed at his insides. His helpl
Maya paled as she met his seething eyes. He was mad. She remained frozen like a statue as he closed the distance between them and seized her hand in an ironclad grip. While Miguel struggled to recover from the blow, Dante pulled Maya away, dragging her out of the place. She teared up, realizing he had misunderstood the situation. "What you're thinking isn't right," she explained, her voice slightly trembling. He didn't respond and that fueled her already growing anxiety."Nothing happened between us. I was about to push him away, I swear," she swore as they entered her room. "Say something," she pleaded in desperation. His indifference was cutting through her like a sharp dagger. Her breath broke out in a gasp as he pushed her against the wall. His face surged forward filling her vision, a storm of emotions passing through his eyes. And the next thing she knew, his mouth was on hers devouring her vigorously.She didn't dare deny him access as his tongue prodded the seam of her li
"Mr. Diaz is here to see you," his PA told him, making him frown in confusion. There was no mention of his visit in his schedule. "Escort him in," he instructed the PA. The PA disappeared promptly and a moment later, Mr. Diaz showed up at his doorway. Their eyes met, exchanging silent acknowledgments. He rose to his feet out of respect and moved forward to greet him. Shaking hands, he uttered, "I wasn't expecting you but it's great to see you, Mr. Diaz." "I hope I haven't interrupted your schedule," Pablo responded solemnly. "Of course, not. Please, have a seat," he replied, gesturing towards the chair. Mr. Diaz murmured a thank you and lowered himself in the chair. Even though the older man carried a solemn demeanor, Dante knew just how fun-loving and exuberant he was. His daughter had fondly shared tales of his fun-loving side. Who could have guessed this stoic man once willingly fell into a pit only to spare his daughter the embarrassment of having slipped in first? "I learne
"What happened?" Maya questioned, her gaze lingering on him—he looked like he was lost in thought, preoccupied with something."Someone poisoned her in our house. It had never happened before," he shared his concern. Maya was just as bothered by the revelation. She was utterly shocked to see Eviana lying out and cold on the floor. Her body had begun to turn blue, leaving no doubt about the virulence of the poison. "Who could have done it?" she wondered out loud. Every servant had a fondness for Eviana; she had noticed it herself. If there was anyone they didn't like, it was her. Poisoning Eviana didn't make sense. "I don't know but. But I have to figure it out somehow before something worse happens," he responded with a clenched jaw. He had to catch the perpetrator at any cost. "Maybe someone put them to the task," she guessed. There must have been a reason. Servants wouldn't dare take such a step without support. "Could be," he agreed before meeting her eyes and cradling her fac
"You do realize what you are saying?" Dante seethed, sounding enraged. The maid nervously clasped her hands together."I told you what I saw, sir," she murmured meekly, eyes locked on the floor. "I..I went to the kitchen. But I didn't do anything," Maya explained, eyes slightly tearing up. "Explain why you went to the kitchen then?" Rosemary enquired Maya, adopting an accusatory tone. Her glare unnerving. "No one will question her," Dante thundered, fixing Rosemary with an icy glare. Rosemary was taken off guard by his tone. "She can go wherever the hell she wants. I will not have you or anyone question her," Dante made it clear in strict terms. Maya had warm tears running down her cheeks. The way he came to her defense despite the accusation had moved something inside her deeply. "The maid has explained everything," Rosemary countered, clearly displeased by his rudeness."She said she was the last person to enter the kitchen. It explains nothing," he snapped. Rosemary's featur
"I believe her," he declared. His powerful voice cutting through the clamor. Maya's eyes moistened with gratitude and relief. A heavy silence settled over the air until Rosemary expressed her disapproval. "On what basis? We have evidence against her," Rosemary asserted. Dante turned his face towards her, his tall stature casting a formidable shadow, his steely gaze threatening to cut through the petite old woman. "Anyone can hide the bottle inside her room. That's not an evidence," he countered. "Why would anyone do that?" she argued, making it sound as if his explanation was utter nonsense. Dante's eyes darkened with calculated malice. "Exactly. Why would anyone do that?" he threw her words back on her, his tone suspicious as he advanced a step towards her. Rosemary backed away in response. She let out a sigh of resignation. "You are not getting it, child. No one has a problem with her but she has a problem with Eviana. She is jealous of her. You yourself heard her telling
She stood over him, her hands moving slowly and deliberately over the firm planes of his back. Her fingers pressed firmly but gently, sliding in fluid strokes that followed the contours of his muscles. He let out a deep, guttural moan that sent a ripple of heat through her, her heartbeat quickening in response. A soft smile spread across her serene face, her hair tied in a loose, messy bun. A soft melody was playing in the background, creating an atmosphere of calm and intimacy."You've been carrying the weight of the world, haven't you?" she teased, her fingers pressing particularly into tense spots. He chuckled. "Feels like it," he murmured, groaning as her fingers worked magic over his shoulder. She felt him relaxing under her touch, the knots in his muscles coming loose. She smiled as she suddenly noticed the deep contrast in their color. Her porcelain hands gliding over his tanned back. The warmth of his skin under her touch and the peaceful quiet of the moment made the world o
She stared at him as he remained asleep. She was torn between her mind and her heart. Her heart was urging her to tell him everything but her mind was filled with doubts. How would she tell him that Paulo has her private pictures? It felt too shameful to share.After Paulo hung up on her, she called him several times again but he didn't answer. She was waiting for him to call her again so that they could trace her location. And the moment his location is traced, it will be over for him. She reached out with her hand and interlaced their fingers, her eyes never leaving his striking face. She knew she was way too rude with him tonight and the guilt of it sat heavily on her chest. Sin woke up to find her side of the bed empty. Sitting up, he ran his fingers through his messy hair while looking around for her. A few moments later, the door flung open, and walked in Maya, carrying a tray of coffee. Her face split into a wide grin as soon as her gaze landed on him. "Good morning," she ch
"Earth calling, Maya. Do you copy?" Miguel teased, waving his hand in front of her face. Maya blinked, her eyes refocusing as she snapped out of her thoughts. "Sorry, what?" she asked, meeting his amused gaze. "I was wondering if you've prepared the papers for presentation," he said, unfazed by her lack of attention. "Yeah. It's done. I'll share it with you right away," she replied. "No need. I want you to present it today," he told her. Maya shot him a look of confusion. "Your dad will be presiding over the meeting. So make sure you impress him," he advised her, an encouraging smile on his face. Maya felt a tightness gripping her chest as memories of that night surfaced. The rift in her relationship with her dad had deepened when she left with Dante the following morning. Her dad didn't want her to go back but staying away from Dante was excruciatingly painful. "Hmm," Maya responded with a small smile. Even with little preparation, the presentation was a success. She was, no d
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