The journey back to Castilo Manor was silent, though the air between Donovan and Rosella hummed with unspoken words. She sat in the passenger seat, her hands folded tightly in her lap as Donovan drove, his face impassive yet focused.When the gates to his enormous estate came into view, Rosella exhaled softly. The mansion loomed against the night sky, its grand, elegant structure lit up like a beacon of safety and familiarity.Once inside, Donovan guided her to the sitting room while Franklin called for the estate’s in-house doctor. Donovan sat stiffly in the high-backed chair, one hand clutching his wounded shoulder while his other rested on his knee. Rosella hovered close by, her eyes filled with concern.“You should’ve gone to the hospital,” she muttered, her voice laced with guilt.He glanced at her, his gaze softening. “I’m fine, Rosella. The doctor will take care of it.”“You always say that,” she snapped, crossing her arms. “You could’ve been killed tonight, Donovan.”His lips
The morning light filtered softly through the heavy curtains of Donovan’s room, casting a golden glow over everything. Rosella stirred awake, blinking against the soft rays. Her gaze shifted to Donovan, who lay peacefully beside her.For a moment, she simply watched him. His strong jawline, the way his dark lashes rested against his cheek, and the faint scruff on his chin, all of it made her heart flutter. He looked so serene, so unlike the powerful man she was used to seeing.Before she realized it, her fingers were reaching out, tracing the bridge of his nose lightly. A small smile tugged at her lips as she admired him.“Enjoying yourself?”His voice startled her, and her hand jerked back as her cheeks flushed a deep red.“You’re awake!” she stammered, trying to scoot away, but Donovan’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her back against him.“I woke up to someone caressing my face,” he said, his tone laced with amusement. His piercing onyx eyes were now wide open, watching her w
Rosella took a deep breath as she approached the modest hospital where Felix’s father was recovering. Her heart was heavy with regret, but she knew she had to face him. She couldn’t let the weight of their unresolved past linger any longer.Inside the ward, Felix was sitting by his father’s bedside, scrolling through his phone absentmindedly. When he noticed her at the door, his expression shifted. His brows furrowed, and his posture stiffened.“Felix,” Rosella said softly, stepping inside. “Hi.”He stood up slowly, his face neutral but his tone cold. “What are you doing here?”Rosella’s throat tightened, but she pushed forward. “I came to see you. To apologize.”Felix crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. “Apologize for what? For disappearing when I needed you? Or for only showing up now?”The sting of his words made her wince. “I didn’t mean to abandon you, Felix. I—” She paused, struggling to find the right words. “I was in a difficult situation. But that’s not an excuse.”He
Marcus stood in a dimly lit warehouse, his sharp suit contrasting with the grimy surroundings. Across from him, men from another mafia group waited impatiently. The deal was supposed to secure a shipment of weapons, a critical asset for maintaining Marcus’s influence. Emma stood behind him, clutching her notepad, observing everything nervously.But Marcus wasn’t fully present. His mind was a mess, consumed by thoughts of Rosella. The memory of her defiance, her anger, and the way she had looked at him before Donovan took her away gnawed at him. He clenched his fists as the opposing leader spoke, but the words barely registered.“Do we have a deal or not, Heinrich?” the man demanded, his tone sharp.Marcus blinked, realizing too late that he had missed a crucial part of the negotiation. His response was delayed, and when he did speak, his words were careless. The other mafia leader frowned, clearly insulted.“You’re wasting my time,” the man growled, standing abruptly with all unpleasa
Marcus sat alone in his study, his bloodied hand wrapped in a white cloth. The shattered remains of the mirror lay scattered around him, glinting in the faint light from a nearby lamp. His breathing was uneven, and his thoughts spun out of control. He wanted Rosella back, but he didn’t understand why. It wasn’t just about revenge anymore; it was something deeper, something that scared him.He clenched his injured hand, hissing as pain shot up his arm. What is wrong with me? he thought bitterly. Marcus Heinrich, feared mafia boss, was losing his mind over a woman, a woman who hated him.Emma peeked into the room cautiously, her face pale. “Sir?” she called softly.“What?” Marcus barked without looking at her.Emma hesitated, gripping the edge of the doorframe. “Should I call the doctor for your hand?”“No,” he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. “Get out.”Emma’s lips tightened, but she obeyed, retreating silently. She didn’t dare challenge him, not when he was like this.Marcus leaned
The morning was calm at Castilo Manor, but Rosella’s heart raced with nervous anticipation. She sat at the edge of the bed, her hands resting on her small but growing belly. The thought of going to the hospital for her first official prenatal checkup filled her with equal parts excitement and fear.“Are you ready?” Donovan’s voice broke her thoughts.She looked up to see him standing at the door, dressed in a simple yet elegant white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark slacks. His presence was grounding, and she felt a little calmer just seeing him.“I think so,” she said softly, standing up.He walked over, his dark eyes filled with reassurance. “I’ll be with you the whole time,” he said, brushing his hand against hers.Rosella smiled, grateful for his support. Together, they headed out, Donovan ensuring the car was ready while Franklin arranged extra security.At the hospital, the air was sterile and smelled faintly of disinfectant. Rosella sat in the waiting room, nervously p
Mirable stood in front of Mitch’s grand estate, her breath catching in her throat as she took in the sheer size of the property. The gates had opened to reveal an imposing mansion bathed in golden light, its towering columns and manicured gardens screaming wealth and prestige. She tightened her grip on her purse, questioning again why she had agreed to come here.Mitch had sent her a formal invitation, claiming it was in exchange for taking down the tabloids that had spread rumors about their scandalous interaction. She hadn’t expected much, maybe a quiet dinner and a chance to finally tell him off. What she hadn’t anticipated was the presence of his parents.The butler greeted her at the door, leading her through a marbled foyer with crystal chandeliers hanging above. The scent of expensive cologne and polished wood filled the air. She followed silently, her heels clicking against the floor as nerves prickled her skin.When they reached the dining room, her heart sank. Mitch stood at
The rain poured relentlessly, a thunderous symphony that matched the turmoil in Mirable’s chest. She tried to wrest her hand free from Mitch’s grip, but his hold was firm. His face was a picture of regret, drenched in rainwater and guilt.“Let go, Mitch!” she shouted, her voice sharp, raw.“Mirable, please, just listen!” Mitch’s voice cracked with desperation.Suddenly, a hand shot out of the downpour, grabbing Mitch’s wrist and forcing it away from her. The strength of the grip made Mitch stumble, and Mirable gasped as the figure stepped into view.It was Franklin.“You heard her,” Franklin growled, his voice low and menacing. “She told you to unhand her.”Before Mitch could react, Franklin’s fist connected with his jaw in a brutal punch, the sound of the impact cutting through the rain. Mitch staggered back, clutching his face as blood dripped from his lip.“Franklin, stop!” Mirable cried, her shock evident.Franklin wasn’t done. He grabbed Mitch by the collar, lifting him slightly
Six months laterThe air at Dalgliesh mansion buzzed with excitement. Workers bustled around, ensuring every detail was perfect for the evening’s celebration. It was a special day, not only a family dinner but also Mr. Dalgliesh’s birthday. Unlike previous years, he had chosen to keep it intimate, inviting only family.The dining table was set, and the first to arrive were Rosella and Donovan, each pushing a stroller. Inside lay their two-month-old twins: baby Eli and baby Ella. The two cooed happily, oblivious to the world around them.Mr. Dalgliesh, waiting in the hall, ignored the couple entirely and went straight to the strollers. He leaned down, his face lighting up as he reached for Ella and cradled her in his arms.“My sweetie pie, you’re so cute,” he crooned. “Don’t mind your parents for not visiting more often. They act like they’re still on their honeymoon, and they haven’t even had a proper wedding. Humph!”He turned to Donovan and swatted at his arm, mock scolding. “Why is
The air was heavy with tension, and two battles were unfolding simultaneously, each in different corners of the world but tied to the same fateful thread.In the Dalgliesh mansion, Rosella set her teacup down and summoned her courage to confront the man seated before her. Mr. Dalgliesh, with his graceful yet aged demeanor, seemed almost serene as he sipped his tea, the epitome of calm.“Was it true?” she asked, her voice steady but laced with intensity. “Were you the one who orchestrated all of this? Did you put Jake in a position where he had no choice but to offer me up for the surrogate selection?”Mr. Dalgliesh lowered his cup and flashed a faint smile, one that revealed both wisdom and mischief. “Truly, all things hidden under the sun must be revealed,” he said cryptically, his voice rich with age and experience. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he added, “I really thought I’d die with the secret, haha.”Rosella’s breath caught. “Why? Why would you do something like that?”Meanwhile,
Rosella’s POV The next day, I went to the hospital with Donovan by my side. He never left me alone these days, always hovering protectively, and I couldn’t say I disliked it. It made me feel safe, like someone was always there to catch me if I fell.As we reached the ward, I felt a hand grab my arm. Startled, I turned, only for Donovan to react before I could. He moved like lightning, grabbing the man by the collar and slamming him against the wall.“Who the hell do you think you are, touching her like that?” Donovan growled, his tone low and dangerous.The man struggled under Donovan’s grip, his face pale and drawn. My eyes widened as recognition struck me. It was Jake. My ex-fiancé.“Donovan, stop,” I said quickly, placing my hand on his shoulder. “Let him go.”Donovan hesitated, his jaw tight with fury, but my touch seemed to ground him. With a warning glare, he released Jake, though his stance remained tense, ready to act if needed.Jake coughed and straightened his shirt, his ey
Mirable and Franklin arrived at the hospital to take over watching Mirable’s mother. It was clear from their subtle touches and soft exchanges that they were now a couple. Rosella noticed it too, but she didn’t comment, simply offering Mirable a small smile before allowing Donovan to guide her toward the car.Usually, Rosella would have argued to spend the night by her mother’s side, but the news of the twins had left her too dazed to argue about anything. Meanwhile, Donovan was practically radiating joy, looking like a man who’d just won the biggest lottery in history.The minute they reached home, Donovan didn’t give Rosella a chance to walk. He swept her up into his arms bridal style, ignoring her half-hearted protests.“Donovan, I can walk, you know,” she said, trying not to smile.“Not when you’re carrying our twins,” he replied with a wink.She sighed, shaking her head, but a small smile tugged at her lips.Once inside their room, he gently set her down on the bed. “Stay here,”
Rosella began to push herself up, her hand reaching for the edge of the bed to steady herself. She was intent on leaving to check on her mother, but she failed to notice the pained look on Donovan’s face.“Rosella, please,” Donovan said suddenly, his voice soft but filled with emotion.She froze mid-movement, her attention finally turning to him. That was when she saw it, his strained expression, his eyes full of worry and frustration.“What is it?” she asked, her tone hesitant, almost fearful of the answer.Donovan took a deep breath, his jaw tightening as he tried to keep his emotions in check. “I know you’re worried about your mom. I know it’s hard. But… you can’t keep doing this to yourself,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “If anything happens to you, Rosella, I… I don’t think I’d be able to go on.”His words hit her like a blow to the chest. For a moment, she couldn’t move or speak, only stare at him. The weight of his feelings, the depth of his fear settled over her like
Another month had passed, and the hospital room had become a second home for Rosella. She sat by her mother’s bedside, wiping her face and hands gently with a soft napkin. The steady beep of the heart monitor was a constant reminder that her mother was alive, but the silence that lingered over the room was deafening.Donovan was in the VIP ward too, never straying far. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his tie loosened and his sleeves rolled up, watching Rosella with a mixture of tenderness and concern.“What do you want to eat today?” he asked, breaking the quiet. “And don’t say you’re not hungry. Pregnant women are supposed to eat a lot, crave weird things, and make their husbands run all over the place to find them.”Rosella smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m conserving your funds,” she said lightly, focusing on smoothing the blanket over her mother.Donovan chuckled, walking closer to her. “You don’t have to do that,” he said. “I have enough to fee
The morning sun poured gently through the windows of Rosella and Donovan’s home, casting warm, golden light across the polished floors. Rosella sat quietly on the sofa in the living room, her hands resting on her growing belly, her eyes distant as they stared at nothing in particular. It had been a month since her mother fell into a coma, and the days since had blurred together in a haze of worry, sleepless nights, and moments of hope that felt too fragile to hold onto.Donovan entered the room, his presence always grounding yet protective, like a storm-ready lighthouse. He approached her cautiously, sensing the heaviness she carried. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low with concern clear.Before she could answer, a knock at the door broke the silence. Donovan stiffened immediately, his sharp instincts flaring to life. “I’ll get it,” he said firmly, striding toward the door with the practiced confidence of someone who’d spent his life prepared for danger.When he opened the door, he
The tension in the hospital lingered in the air like an uninvited guest, heavy and suffocating. After the doctor delivered the news that their mother had survived the surgery but was now in a coma, neither Rosella nor Mirable could breathe a sigh of relief. The hope of her waking up was the only thread holding them together, yet it felt too thin, too fragile.Rosella’s knees buckled, her strength waning, but Donovan’s strong arms shot out and caught her before she could collapse completely. His grip on her was firm yet gentle, his eyes filled with concern. “You need to rest,” he murmured softly, but she barely heard him, her mind too occupied with the image of her mother bleeding out in her arms.The room where their mother was moved to was quiet, save for the beeping of machines and the faint rustle of nurses shuffling about. The doctor informed them that they could visit, but before they could take a step, Mirable turned to Rosella and Donovan, her expression conflicted. “Rosella… c
Blood spattered on the ground, pooling beneath the crumpled body of Rosella's mother. The sound of the gunshot still echoed in Rosella's ears, even as chaos erupted around her. Her body froze, rooted to the ground as the weight of her mother's falling figure pressed against her chest."No-No, no, no!" Rosella cried, catching her mother in her trembling arms. The air seemed to thicken, bullets zipping past her in the ensuing firefight. She didn't flinch.The world blurred, focusing solely on the woman bleeding out in her arms. ‘Why did she throw herself in front of me?’ Rosella’s mind was pinned on this thought. "Mom! Stay with me!" she screamed, shaking her gently. Blood seeped through her mother's dress, staining Rosella's hands and knees. "Please, don't close your eyes, don't do this to me!"Her mother's eyes fluttered open, her irises clouded with pain yet filled with a strange serenity. "Rosella..." Her voice was barely audible, a faint whisper under the chaos.Tears streamed d