She tossed and turned in her bed, worrying her lower lip. Tomorrow, she would have to leave. But where would she go? No one would take her in. Paul had made sure she lost touch with all her friends so that she wouldn’t have anywhere to go. That was partly the reason why she endured his torture.The dreaded morning eventually came and yet she wasn’t prepared to face the harshness of the world. With a heavy heart and even heavier legs, she got down from her bed and proceeded towards the bathroom. She decided to take a bath before leaving. Who knows when she will get to bath again?Taking off her clothes, she descended into the bathtub. She sighed at the feel of cold water enveloping her feet. Back in her dad’s home, she used to bathe multiple times in a day as she loved bathing. Her lips curved into a serene smile as she sat down in the tub. Stretching out her legs, she leaned against the edge of the tub and closed her eyes.After bathing to her satisfaction, she stepped out of the tub
“It’s nothing. I’ve applied the balm. Give it ten minutes and you’ll be fine,” the maid briefed as she gently wrapped the gauge around her ankle. Maya was still clad in her bathrobe.“Thank you,” Maya responded, relieved.“Also..” the maid began as she clipped the gauge. She met her gaze and continued, “….Sir told me to tell you that you are allowed to stay here as long as you want.”Hearing that, a bright smile lit up Maya’s face. He wasn’t kicking her out. She still had a roof over her head. “Thank you,” she expressed her gratitude, her eyes quickly misting over. The old maid smiled.“Don’t thank me. Thank sir,” she told her in a soft tone. Realization dawned on Maya. “Should I bring your breakfast in the room or do you wish to come downstairs and personally express your gratitude to him,” the maid asked. Maya took the hint.“I’ll be downstairs,” she decided.After thirty minutes, the pain in her heel had dulled to a mild tingle. She had already changed into an ankle-length dress,
Night arrived and Maya went downstairs for dinner. She had lots of questions swirling in her head. The first and foremost was about Dante’s woman. Where was his wife? She hadn’t seen any woman in the mansion yet who could be called his wife. Maybe she lived somewhere else or perhaps she was out of town. Her thoughts came to a halt at the sight of him. She offered him a gentle smile as their gaze met accidentally. He gave her a nod. Taking her usual spot, she sat down and upturned her plate. She threw an anticipatory glance at him. He was donning a white t-shirt and grey lowers. His damp hair cascaded over his forehead, stopping just short of his grey eyes, lending him a bad-boy vibe. She felt a stirring in her stomach.“Your baby is very cute,” she complimented out of the blue. There was a genuine affection in her voice.His eyes reflected a momentary wonder before he nodded his head in agreement, “He is.” “He has taken after you mostly. His mother must be disappointed,” she adde
She joined him for dinner in the evening to know his plan for Vincent. In just a couple of days, she had become really fond of Vincent. He was eating his food in silence.“Good evening,” she chirped as she pulled out a chair. Dante glanced at her briefly, murmured a greeting, and returned his attention to his plate. Some habits never change. He used to avoid eye contact with her four years ago too. That was one of the reasons she believed that they were not a perfect match.She lowered herself in the chair and began to load her plate.They were in middle of dinner when Vincent’s piercing cries blared through the baby monitor. Dante immediately shot to his feet and hurried towards his room. Maya followed him.He cradled Vincent in his arms and swayed him tenderly but the baby didn’t stop crying. She was hesitant to offer help as she didn’t want to be seen as an intruder. But when he failed to soothe the bay, she stepped in.“May I?” she asked. He looked hesitant but gave him to her any
Maya tossed and turned in the bed. The sleep had eluded her and all she could think about was the shameful incident that had happened some hours ago. She’ll make sure to wear a bra from now on every time she goes outside her room. It was so fucking embarrassing.As she couldn’t sleep, she climbed out of her bed with a sigh of frustration and decided to go out to take a stroll in the garden. Fresh air might help her some.The mansion was dead silent as she quietly padded her way towards the back garden. But just as she was about to slip outside, a soft glow from the kitchen caught her eyes, halting her in her tracks. Did the servants forget to turn the light off? To turn the light off, she changed her direction and headed toward the kitchen. The sight she met in the kitchen caught her off guard. She stood stunned with her jaw crawling on the floor, her eyes almost popped out. He was shirtless. Holy fuck, he was shirtless. She couldn't fight the temptation of assessing his physique. Th
The next day she was called downstairs to have breakfast with him. Her eyes caught him seated in his usual chair as soon as she stepped through the door. Even though years had passed he was still the same- brooding, distant and mysterious. She clearly remembered their first meeting. He hadn’t even cracked a smile, not even as courtsey when her dad had introduced them. His gaze had been as piercing and cold as the sharp edge of blade. His eyes lacked the warmth and spirit she had seen in boys of her age. It had felt like he was there to fix a deal. She had never seen a man more serious. Even her dad appeared jovial in comparison to him. She knew they were a mismatch right from the beginning.“Good Morning,” she greeted with a warm, friendly smile. He glanced up at her, muttering a quiet “morning” before his eyes returned to his plate. She pulled a chair and sat down in it.She took a slice of bread and began buttering it with a knife.“You said you are looking for a job. Any success ye
His frigid eyes locked onto hers with a menacing glare, making her smile fade instantly. She couldn't recognize the man but his venomous words had stung her."Sir brought her," the servant replied, his voice devoid of warmth. Many servants here harbored resentment towards her for what she had done to their master. She had gathered this much through their glares. She clutched little Vincent closer to her chest as he approached her. The hatred burning in his eyes unmistakable. "I've seen many shameless women but none like you. Even whore have more integrity," he taunted, not caring he was being too harsh. He stopped avfew steps away from her. "Shut up. You don't know me," Maya snapped, her cheeks hot with humiliation. No one had any right to question her character.The man stared her down in sheer contempt. She felt like some filthy worm from a gutter. "I know you well enough. You are a selfish bitch who manipulated my friend for her personal gain. A coward who couldn't face
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Carlos marching out of the mansion. Standing at her window, she watched as he climbed into his car and wondered if they had continued arguing after she left. The way Carlos had stuck up for Dante, it was more than evident that they were very good friends. Reflecting on it now, she remembered Dante mentioning a friend during one of their date nights. She couldn’t recall the name, but she was now certain Dante had been talking about Carlos. They were best friends. Guilt would eat her alive if their friendship got ruined because of her. The unexpected sound of a knock startled her. She swiveled and waited for the person to come in but when no movement happened she asked the person to come in. The door opened a moment later, revealing him. Attired in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, he exuded an inescapable masculine energy. The suit hugging his muscular frame in all the right places. She drew in a breath. The man was so tall that if he st
A faint cry of pain slipped from her mouth as she woke up to a crushing headache. She blinked against the harsh white light piercing her vision. "Maya," her mother called. Maya slightly turned her head to find her parents seated beside her. "Where is Dante?" she asked in a whisper. Anxiety etched across her face as she remembered the last night. They had met an accident. Dante had covered her with his body. That's all she remembered. "He is fine," Mrs. Diaz assured her. Maya searched her eyes for any lie but there was none. "My baby?" she asked dreadfully. Her heart began to hammer vigorously against her chest. She didn't know how she would endure if something had happened to her child. "Baby is fine too," she told her. Her eyes blurred with tears of relief. "Ssshh..my child. Everything is fine now," Mr. Diaz consoled her. "I want to see him," she implored through her tears. She had to make sure he was fine. She was not able to recover from the horror they experienced last ni
"We did it," Maya exclaimed, bursting with joy. The thrill lingered until the biting chill of the air nipped at her skin, causing her to tremble. Just as the cold began to seep deeper, a sudden unexpected warmth engulfed her. Startled, she turned to see Dante gently wrapping a scarf around her shoulder. His eyes filled with tender emotions.She pulled the scarf together, her heart swelling with tender love."City looks so beautiful from up here," Maya said, dazzled by the sight of lights glimmering across the hillside. Smiling, Dante stepped forward. "But this is not why I brought you here," he revealed, confusing her. She turned to look at him. He raised his hand and pointed a finger towards the sky. Her breath caught as her eyes widened in awe, her gaze drinking in the breathtaking beauty of the glittering night sky. He stood behind her, his chest touching her back. "Ain't they beautiful?" he asked softly. She nodded, caught in the beauty of the sky. He couldn't help but marvel at
Maya locked eyes with Katty. A maid had told her that Mrs. Martinez was waiting for her in the living room. She had no idea why she wanted to see her but she had a hunch that it was related to her pregnancy. She had decided she would refuse outrightly if she asked her to abort her child. Mrs. Martinez offered her a soft smile as she rose from the couch. Maya reciprocated with a hesitant smile of her own. "Since Dante isn’t around, I thought it was the ideal time to meet you." Katty started, deepening her sense of unease. "Why..why did you want to see me?" Maya asked, her guards up."You are glowing," Katty noted before adding in a friendly manner, "Pregnancy does that to you." Her eyes drifted to her belly where her grandkid was growing. The warmth in her gaze didn't escape Maya's notice."Thank you," she replied, smiling genuinely. She was glowing not because of her pregnancy but because of him. Her son was the reason behind her happiness. Dante was on cloud nine since he heard
She yanked him closer. Her hands moving with an urgency as she began undressing his chiseled frame. She traced the hard contours of his chest with her palm, the beats of his heart sending a fluttering sensation through her core. He was fascinating- sculpted like a statue. Perfection. The sexual attraction she felt for him was insane—the aching need to have his body wrap around hers. He ripped open his shirt, the buttons scattering across the floor with a sharp clatter. After that, he grabbed the fabric of her nightdress and tore it open with a ripping sound that mimicked her urgency. They both were burning in the inferno of desire. Gripping her wide hips, he drew her against his erection. With a titillating grinding motion, he moved it against her pulsating tender flesh. She moaned, her senses unraveling with need. Desire overwhelmed her to the point she wanted to cry. "Dante," she moaned breathlessly, he was teasing her relentlessly. "What do you want, baby?" he demanded in hoars
Dante charged forward, closing the distance between him and Paulo in threatening strides, his fists clenched tightly, veins taut with the promise of violence. Paulo gazed up at him in terror as Dante seized his collar and roughly hauled him to his feet. The tycoon's eyes were blazing with unrestrained fury, his face twisted into a feral snarl. Maya remained rooted to her spot. She had never seen Dante this enraged. He reeked of bloodlust- aura so intense and vicious that it made her stomach twist. He was entirely a different man.Dante’s fist collided with Paulo’s face in a sickening crack, the force whipping Paulo’s head to the side as blood sprayed from his mouth. A guttural groan escaped Paulo’s lips, but Dante didn’t stop. His knuckles slammed into Paulo’s jaw again, then his ribs, each blow delivered with merciless precision. Paulo’s body sagged under the onslaught. He struggled to get away but Dante didn't let him. He drove his knee into his stomach, doubling him over with a cho
Just then the phone was snatched from her hand. Her heart sank as Paulo emerged into her view. Standing over her, he resembled a furious storm ready to tear her apart. His glare piercing her like a blade as he cut the call, snuffing her only hope. A lone teardrop escaped her eyes. "Do you think I'm an idiot?" he snarled, his voice a low, dangerous growl. Panic surged through Maya. Her instincts took over as she scrambled backward, her wide eyes remained on his, anticipating his next move. He took a threatening stride towards her, his jaw locked tight. His features twisted. "Stay back," she warned despite the terror wrecking her nerves. She was scared for her life but she was scared for her unborn child. Her words only fueled his rage, hitting him in his head. With a violent motion, he threw the glass against the wall, the crash reverberating through the room. She flinched by his sudden outburst. "You will follow MY orders," he gritted out, eyes blazing with murderous rage. Maya did
The door slammed against the wall as it opened tremendously, startling her. Dante strolled in, his oppressive aura filling the room. Hope glimmered in her eyes and she rose to her feet, her robe slipping to expose her voluptuous curves. Each stride he took sent a ripple of tension through her, anticipation gripping her like a vice. He couldn't resist her. Hint of a smile danced over her lips as he drew near. He was a control freak and she loved that about him. She craved him to spank her, manhandle her, treat her like a whore. Her smoldering gaze traveled over his massive frame, enjoying the view. She was ready for the rough press of his body and the heat of his kiss but had not expected the sudden grip around her neck, his fingers tightening as he choked her. Shock seized her features. Fury- blazing in his eyes- cut through her flesh as he growled in her face, "Where is Maya?" Eviana's brows furrowed in confusion, "Maya? How would I know?"He choked her harder, his nails digging
Even though Dante knew it already, hearing the words spoken aloud sent a cold spike through his chest. A wave of anxiety gripped him. She was in grave danger. Why didn't she share it with him? Did she not trust him enough? His heart clenched painfully. Why did she embark on this dangerous path all alone? He couldn't realize when she slipped away from his protective embrace. One moment she was safe in his arms and the next, she was gone. He wouldn't be able to live if he lost her again. "Who took her?" he asked, freaking out from inside. "The kind of person who’ll do anything to keep you two apart," Peter replied, making Dante frown. "As surprising as it may sound, the video was taken from Maya's phone," Peter revealed, stunning everyone. "Someone stole the video from her phone and circulated it," he added. "Who?" Dante demanded, his body coiling with tension. "I am trying to trace it back to the perpetrator," Peter revealed. Dante clenched his fists, his face a dark
Seizing a handful of her hair, he wrenched her to her feet. Despite the excruciating pain, she held herself together, refusing to give him the joy of seeing her in pain. She met his gaze head-on- defiance blazing in her eyes as she spat, "Dante will make you pay for every second of this." The slap struck her like a thunderclap, snapping her head sideways. Dizziness washed over her, she would have hit the floor with a thud if he wasn't clenching her hair in his vice-like grip. He thrust his face closer, eyes dripping with poisonous malice as he gritted out, "You've got a big mouth on you now. Lose it before I make you lose your pathetic life." His spit landed on her as he issued the threat.A cruel smirk spread across his face before he slightly loosened his hold on her hair. "As for your Dante, let me tell you he hates your guts.." he broke the news to her. "No, he doesn't. He loves me," she shot back without missing a beat. She knew he loved her with all his being and no one co