One month ago. The day of the Surrogacy announcement…In the high-rise building of Maston Corp. the hundredth floor which happened to be the highest level where Donovan’s office resided. The gloom of a man In his late twenties swamped the majestic swiveling chair where he sat with his eyes closed.At first glance he looked like he was asleep in dreamland but a closer look showed a man trapped in his nightmares! His eyes were squeezed showing signs of resistance and sweat beads formed on his forehead while his fingers crawled into the chair’s arm. The wrinkles of his brows kept getting deeper until the sound of the door opening snapped him awake and made him subconsciously blurt out a word. The word was a name and that name was…“Rose!”The intruding figure took a bow and walked closer until the moonlights shining from the huge windows behind Donn brightened his frame. “Franklin…” “How long will you continue to torture yourself?” A young man that seemed around the same age of Do
The horror stricken face of every man around wasn’t enough to quantify what’s to come?! But the person in question who has shaken forbidden waters had no idea or maybe he got his boldness from staring death in the face because he kept on talking.“You know Marcus is a better leader than you! One day the Dalgliesh empire will fall and all your men will pledge allegiance to the Heinrich clan, I know it!”“Argh! Huff!”The man speaking received a whiplash that cut across his back. The men couldn’t stand to watch the blasphemous words falling from his mouth, if it wasn’t for the fact that they had to receive orders to end him, he wouldn’t be alive till now!The gloom over Donn was intense enough to melt anyone who dared to come close and his eyes were sharp as the viper staring deep into the soul of the nearly lifeless body. With a calm but thundering voice he commanded.“Pull out his teeth”Horror instantly filled the man’s face, he thought all that awaits was death but he seemed to f
“Hello, am I speaking to Mirable?”Franklin’s voice formally came through the cell of a twenty-two year old girl. With shaky voice she replied.“Y-yes, I’m Mirable”“Congratulations, you’ve been hired for the secretary position. Starting Monday report to Maston Corp hundredth floor”Her hands went over her mouth, shock and relief graced her expression but mostly gratitude. It took a second but she finally regained her composure and answered.“Thank you-”The sound of loud clashes of broken glass interrupted her. It was loud enough to even capture Franklin’s attention over the phone and before he could ask about the situation the call dropped. Something felt terribly off and he wasn’t wrong for thinking that, because over there at Mirable’s house hell had set loose!She didn’t know when the phone in her hands fell to the ground but she found herself in the kitchen dragging her father off her mom with all her might!As usual, her feeble hands were no match for an aged man, just a
From that moment till the date of the surrogacy selection, Donn’s mind didn’t rest on the anticipated thought of seeing Rose. Call it a little boy’s excitement to see his crush or even the desire for a wish to come true. Either ways every fiber in him longed to set his eyes on her.Finally the day came and as expected Donn had Franklin clear his schedule. After a conference meeting in the morning every other delegation was placed on hold as he walked out of Maston Corp. His drive led straight home to Sterling estate Castilo Manor where he was informed on the arrival of the ladies.The rest information was irrelevant to him because all he cared about was seeing her so he took long strides in that direction and immediately the hallway doors opened up his eyes rested on a petite figure. She didn’t have long legs or needlessly large bosoms. Her frame was petite and she was endowed in the right places. It was like looking at the vast galaxy through a tiny window. Her hair, blonde was
The night of the Opera Festival was cold, despite the current change in weather, tonight was an exception and every noble or high-class members of aristocratic families dressed in that regard. Rose on the other hand had no concern for this discovery because her mind was focused not on hearing the melodious voice of the Prima Donna but rather finding her missing fiancé!He’s been out of sight and she needed answers. Tonight she wore a dress she stored away for years, it was one of those dresses you would tell yourself you will only wear on a special occasion. It had a floral peach pattern of petals and long sleeves that elegantly clasped her hands. The dress revealed her smooth shoulders and she wore her hair up in a bun to further highlight this feature but most importantly, the dress had a high slit that exposed her fair legs as she walked. She looked in the mirror and when she was out in a cab she looked at her reflection through the rear but her blue eyes didn’t notice the beau
Coupled with the classical music resounding through the halls, Rose majestic walk towards them with a wine bottle and glass in her hands was iconic. But when they turned around she was more shocked than anyone!Standing beside Jake was a familiar face, so familiar that her feet took a step back in disbelief. How didn’t she recognize the voice that tormented her for years? She wondered.“Don’t tell me you hid in the toilet while we f*cked? I didn’t know you were such a pervert Rose, ha!”Adriana’s voice suddenly rang a bell in Rose’s ears. It sounded the same as always, those sharp-edged words that seemed to stab her most sensitive spots. Rose had her eyes glued on Adriana, it was like Jake was invisible the whole time and her grip on the wine bottle tightened.“It could’ve been anyone…” she said above a whisper, her voice directed to Jake but her eyes fixed on Adriana. “Speak louder doll” Adriana scorned.“It could’ve been any f*cking one! But it had to be Adriana, didn’t it?!”
Donovan’s POVI wanted it to be her so badly but I’m far too used to being disappointed, for all I know it could be Franklin at the end of the door so with a tone void of emotions I voiced.“Come in”My pupils shrunk the moment her soft features came to light under the influence of the moon. I instantly regretted not pulling up my curtains, maybe then I would’ve had a clearer view. My usual love for dark and gloomy places seemed like a thorn in my flesh in that instance.She was right in front of me alone, tonight, but I didn’t know what to say and ended up asking a stupid question.“What do you want?” The question blurted itself before I could control my tongue. ‘F*ck!’At this rate I would scare her off before she says a word. Surprisingly she wasn’t fazed by my harsh reception, it turns out I was in for a surprise when she spoke.‘A deal with me?’ I mentally motioned. She wanted a deal to get back at Jake but honestly she doesn’t need to strike a deal for that to happen. Even wi
Rosella’s POVMy head felt heavy, even my lashes hurt to open but I managed to get them up even though they shut back from the ray of sunlight eating through the windowA groan escaped my lips as I sought to lift myself. My head was throbbing and that’s when I got a glimpse of last night’s memory.The thought of dousing myself in alcohol and remembering the ordeal with Jake wasn’t something I wanted to remember first thing in the morning, but sadly it seems that’s all my mind kept thinking about.With my hand over my eyes, I struggled to sit up and that’s when I got the shock of my life!“Easy…”A voice beside me spoke and I knew what it meant to be scared out of your skin! My head speedily turned to behold the owner of the voice and it was in that microsecond of turning that sudden realization dawned on me!Last night I…We…No we didn’t, right? I was thrown into a frenzy when I looked down at myself and blood instantly drained from my features. I was stacked naked in Donovan’s
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